AVS 47th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Wednesday Sessions
       Session BI-WeA

Paper BI-WeA3
Protein Adsorption and Cellular Responses to Polysaccharide Coatings

Wednesday, October 4, 2000, 2:40 pm, Room 202

Session: Non-fouling Surfaces
Presenter: S.L. McArthur, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
Authors: S.L. McArthur, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
P.G. Hartley, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
K.M. McLean, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
G. Johnson, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
M.L. Jenkins, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
H.J. Griesser, CSIRO Molecular Science and CRCERT, Australia
Correspondent: Click to Email
There is increasing evidence that the cellular response to a biomedical implant is determined by the presence of specific proteins at the interface. There are a number of protein/surface interactions that influence such adsorption events. In this study we assess the roles of steric and electrostatic interactions on the protein adsorption characteristics of a range of cell supporting and cell-resistant polysaccharide surfaces. Polysaccharides were grafted onto highly anionic, flat, radio frequency glow discharge (rfgd) coatings with or without secondary graft supporting interlayers. Polysaccharides of differing functionality and charge density (aminodextran, carboxymethyldextran and oxidised dextran) were used. The properties of the resulting surfaces were assessed using XPS, streaming potential and AFM imaging and colloid probe force measurements. The impact of surface properties on protein adsorption was also monitored using XPS, ELISA and Surface-MALDI-MS techniques. The results of these studies indicate that protein adsorption occurs regardless of steric interactions provided an electrostatic attraction exists between the protein and the surface. To illustrate this point, surfaces were engineered which were expected to display a low affinity for cell adhesive proteins. In vitro cell studies on such surfaces showed minimal cell attachment and growth which was in marked contrast to the same polysaccharide surfaces with the proteins covalently attached. In this instance, cell attachment and growth was observed. These studies demonstrate the role of specific protein adsorption in the mediation of cellular responses on polysaccharide surfaces.