[Effects of surface pattern of polymers on adhesion characteristics of transformed human embryonic tendon cells]

Effects of surface pattern of polymers on adhesion characteristics of transformed human embryonic tendon cells (THETCs) have been examined by using a micropipette aspiration technique, which is a cellular mechanical method. The results showed that the adhesion characteristics of THETCs depend on the surface pattern of polymers, and the adhesion force of THETCs to porous films is higher than that to non-porous films and fibers. The adhesion force bears relationships with the aperture of porous films and has a stronger dependence on the large aperture (150-500 microns) than on the small aperture (< 150 microns) of porous films. The adhesion force of THETCs to fibers is increased slightly with the diameter of fibers (P > 0.05). These demonstrate that the tissue-engineered tendon scaffolds made of porous polymer foam with specially designated aperture, or of polymer fiber with specially designated diameter, may serve as a good attachment substrate for THETCs.