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Photoactive SAM surface for control of cell attachment
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|May 18, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to control cell attachment using photochemistry on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). This technique allows surfaces to switch from cell-repellent to cell-adhesive upon UV light exposure, guiding cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Controlling cell attachment is crucial for various biomedical applications.
- Existing methods often lack spatial control or require complex fabrication.
- Photochemistry offers a promising route for precise surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photochemical method for controlled cell attachment on gold surfaces.
- To create switchable cell-adhesive surfaces using photo-cleavable polymers.
- To investigate the long-term efficacy of these modified surfaces for cell culture.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gold surfaces with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs).
- Introduction of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via photo-cleavable o-nitrobenzyl groups.
- UV-irradiation to cleave PEG and expose cell-adhesive peptide immobilization sites.
- Surface characterization using water contact angle, AFM, and XPS.
- Cell culture studies with NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells.
Main Results:
- Successfully created cell-repellent surfaces using PEG-coated SAMs.
- UV-irradiation effectively cleaved the photo-cleavable linker, rendering the surface cell-adhesive.
- Immobilization of RGD peptides in irradiated regions promoted specific cell attachment.
- Controlled cell adhesion was maintained for up to 5 days in culture.
Conclusions:
- Photochemical control of cell attachment on PEG-gold SAMs is feasible using UV exposure.
- The developed surfaces demonstrate switchable cell repellency and adhesivity.
- This approach provides a versatile platform for precise control of cell adhesion in biological systems.
