Physical and chemical modifications of polymeric surface for enhanced epithelial cells adhesion

TL;DR

This paper explores physical-chemical surface modifications of polymeric scaffolds to improve epithelial cell adhesion, using a novel surface treatment that alters surface charge and enhances cell attachment for tissue engineering applications.

Contribution

It introduces a simple surface treatment method that modifies polymer surface charge, improving epithelial cell adhesion on scaffolds fabricated via two-photon polymerization.

Findings

Surface treatment enhances cell adhesion significantly.

Modified surfaces show improved cytocompatibility.

Method is suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds.

Abstract

In tissue engineering, 3D scaffolds and chemical treatments are often used for providing a cell-friendly surface for improving cell adhesion and tissue growth. Indeed, the cell adhesion degree can be controlled by physical-chemical changes in the surface of substrates, such as wettability, surface charges and roughness. In this work, we describe the synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility of photoresins useful for construction of cell scaffolds via two-photon polymerization. Additionally, we have demonstrated a simple surface treatment method that promotes cell adhesion. This method alters the surface charge of the polymer and enhances the adhesion of epithelial cells. Our results indicate an efficient approach for modifying the surface of biocompatible polymer scaffolds with the purpose of enhances the performance of cell functions suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.