Surface modification of poly(L: -lactic acid) affects initial cell attachment, cell morphology, and cell growth

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Development of advanced scaffolds is crucial for regenerating tissues like blood vessels and nerves.
• Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes exhibit high porosity suitable for tissue regeneration applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly porous PLLA scaffold for tissue regeneration.
• To evaluate the effect of oxygen-plasma treatment on cell adhesion, proliferation, and morphology on PLLA scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of highly porous PLLA membranes using the phase-inversion method.
• Culturing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells on both untreated and oxygen-plasma-treated PLLA membranes.
• Assessment of cell adhesion, proliferation, and morphology using cell culture techniques.

Main Results:

• Untreated PLLA showed poor cell adhesion compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS).
• Oxygen-plasma treatment significantly improved CHO cell adhesion to PLLA, matching TCPS rates.
• Cell proliferation rates were similar on treated and untreated membranes, but cell morphology differed significantly.
• Cells on plasma-treated PLLA spread extensively, forming sheet-like structures resembling biological tissue.

Conclusions:

• Oxygen-plasma treatment is highly effective for modifying PLLA surfaces for enhanced cell interaction.
• Improved cell adhesion and tissue-like morphology suggest plasma-treated PLLA scaffolds are promising for regenerative medicine.
• This approach holds potential for regenerating hollow tissues, including blood vessels and nerves.