Evaluation of modified CMC and CMC-PVA as miscible polymer blend membranes for hepatocytes

CMC and CMC-PVA were blended either with type I collagen, BSA or CS to obtain biocompatible membranes for evaluation as potential hepatocyte culture substrates. Pure and modified forms of CMC showed distinct surface, mechanical, and cell attachment properties. While the hydrophilicity decreased, the mechanical stability and the porosity of CMC membranes increased after blending. Serum proteins were adsorbed by all types of membranes. Among eight membranes tested, collagen-modified CMC was found to be a suitable membrane material for hepatocyte culture, in terms of mechanical and cell interaction properties.