Biological responses to polyethylene oxide modified polyethylene terephthalate surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a common biomaterial but exhibits cell adhesion.
• Modifying PET surfaces can alter their biological interactions.
• Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is known for its protein-repellent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of covalently grafting different molecular weights of PEO onto PET films.
• To evaluate the impact of PEO grafting on protein adsorption and cellular interactions.
• To determine the optimal PEO molecular weight for creating non-fouling surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Covalent grafting of PEO (5,000-100,000 g/mol) onto PET films.
• Surface characterization using contact angle measurements and ESCA.
• Protein adsorption assays with radiolabeled albumin and fibrinogen.
• Cell growth assays with human foreskin fibroblasts.
• Platelet adherence studies using whole blood and epifluorescence microscopy.
• Scanning electron microscopy for surface visualization.

Main Results:

• Grafted PEO was confirmed on PET surfaces.
• Higher molecular weight PEO (18,500 and 100,000 g/mol) significantly reduced protein adsorption.
• Cell growth was substantially lower on higher-molecular-weight PEO surfaces.
• Platelet adherence was minimal on surfaces with higher-molecular-weight PEO.
• PEO grafting effectively reduced protein adsorption and cellular interactions.

Conclusions:

• Polyethylene oxide (PEO) grafted onto PET surfaces with molecular weights of 18,500 g/mol and higher effectively reduces protein adsorption.
• These modified surfaces exhibit significantly reduced cellular interactions, including lower cell growth and minimal platelet adherence.
• Grafting higher molecular weight PEO onto PET offers a promising strategy for developing advanced biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility and reduced fouling.