Thin films are of interest in materials design because they allow
for the modification of surface properties of materials while the
bulk properties of the material are largely unaffected. In this work,
we outline methods for the assembly of thin films using a technique
known as layer-by-layer (LbL). Furthermore, their interactions with
human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are discussed. hMSCs are a
subject of growing interest because of their potential to treat or
cure diseases, given their immunosuppressive properties, multipotent
differentiation capabilities, and tissue regeneration capabilities.
Numerous improvements and modifications have been suggested for the
harvesting, treatment, and culture of hMSCs prior to their administration
in human subjects. Here, we discuss methods to assess the interactions
of hMSCs with thin LbL-assembled films of heparin and collagen. Three
different methods are discussed. The first details the preparation
of heparin/collagen multilayers on different surfaces and the seeding
of cells on these multilayers. The second method details the characterization
of multilayers, including techniques to assess the thickness, roughness,
and surface charge of the multilayers, as well as in situ deposition
of multilayers. The third method details the analysis of cell interactions
with the multilayers, including techniques to assess proliferation,
viability, real-time monitoring of hMSC behavior, analysis of hMSC-adhesive
proteins on the multilayers, immunomodulatory factor expression of
hMSCs, and cytokine expression on heparin/collagen multilayers. We
propose that the methods described in this work will assist in the
design and characterization of LbL-assembled thin films and the analysis
of hMSCs cultured on these thin films.