| AVS 54th International Symposium | |
| Biomaterial Interfaces | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session BI-TuP |
| Session: | Biomaterials Interfaces Poster Session |
| Presenter: | J.A. Reed, University of New Mexico |
| Authors: | J.A. Reed, University of New Mexico E. Romero, University of New Mexico A. Wandinger-Ness, University of New Mexico H.E. Canavan, University of New Mexico |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Cell/surface interactions are mediated via the extracellular matrix (ECM). Many important proteins extend into the ECM, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is often up-regulated in cancer cells, resulting in uncontrollable cell growth and metastasis, which makes them key candidates for in vitro cancer therapeutic models. However, the methods traditionally used to detach cells from surfaces destroy the integrity of proteins in the ECM, resulting in damaged protein and receptors, making them incompatible with the solution-based analysis. In this work, we describe the use of a thermo-responsive polymer, poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) or pNIPAM, for non-destructive release of cells into suspension. Many cell types, ranging from fibroblasts to epithelial cells, have demonstrated cell sheet detachment on pNIPAM surfaces. However, there is presently very little data on primary cells, cell culture parameters, or the method of film fabrication. To optimize the pNIPAM substrates, pNIPAM films were prepared using different methods (e.g., dissolution in silica vs. plasma deposited films) and compositions (10-40 wt% pNIPAM). The surface chemistry of the resulting films was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), film thickness was ascertained via interferometry and XPS, and the thermo-responsivity was determined by contact angle analysis. The cell releasing properties of the films was characterized by incubating baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells to confluency, introducing a variety of solvents (e.g., PBS vs. serum free media) below the LCST, and observing the rate of detachment via microscopy. We find that plasma deposited films exhibited the best detachment behavior when rinsed with PBS and allowed to detach in 4C serum free media.