Polyelectrolyte multilayer films modulate cytoskeletal organization in chondrosarcoma cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Developing effective interfaces for medical implants is crucial for improving biocompatibility and integration.
• Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films offer tunable surface properties for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate PEM films with varying terminating layers as potential interfaces for chondrosarcoma (HCS-2/8) cells.
• To investigate the impact of PEM composition and layer number on cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• PEM films were constructed using poly-sodium-4-styrenesulfonate (PSS), poly-L-glutamic acid (PGA), poly-allylamine hydrochloride (PAH), or poly(L-lysine) (PLL) as terminating layers.
• Cell viability, inflammatory response (IL-8 secretion), adherence, and cytoskeletal organization (actin, vinculin) were assessed.

Main Results:

• PAH and PLL terminated films induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion, indicating an inflammatory response.
• Cell adherence was enhanced on PGA, PAH, and PLL films, and to a lesser extent on PSS films.
• Actin filaments and vinculin focal adhesions were observed on PSS and PAH films, but were reduced or absent on PGA and PLL films.

Conclusions:

• PSS-terminated PEM films provide a suitable interfacial microenvironment for HCS-2/8 cells, promoting favorable cell interactions.
• The choice of terminating layer significantly influences cellular response, including adherence and cytoskeletal organization.