Cell adhesion resistance mechanisms using arrays of dextran-derivative layers

To control interactions at the cell-material interface, low-fouling polymer coatings are used to prevent nonspecific interactions. Subsequent biosignals may be grafted on these low-fouling layers to induce specific biological responses. A polymer array technology was developed to study structural diversity of carboxy-methyl-dextran (CMD) grafted layers in connection with their cell repulsion ability. Arrays of CMD layers were exposed to fibroblasts to screen for cell resistant layers according to the immobilization conditions used to produce these surfaces. Cell cytoskeleton and fibronectin matrix deposition and reorganization were labeled in short-term (4 and 12 h) and long-term (3 days of cell confluence) cell adhesion assays. Results suggest that CMD layers that were resistant to cell adhesion were dense, flexible, and presented a regular (i.e., defect-free) hydrated surface. Cell-resistant CMD layers prevented cell matrix deposition and assembly, affecting cell-substrate adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. Finally, an optimized CMD layer was chosen and proved to be as resistant as a poly(ethylene glycol) layer.