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Viability and function of primary human endothelial cells on smooth poly(ether imide) films
C Schulz1, M von Rüsten-Lange, A Krüger
1Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany.
Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|September 15, 2012
Summary
Poly(ether imide) (PEI) shows potential for cardiovascular devices, supporting human umbilical venous endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation despite minor cytotoxicity. Further research will assess its stability under shear force for endothelialization.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Poly(ether imide) (PEI) is investigated for cardiovascular applications.
- Previous studies indicate HUVEC adhesion and proliferation on PEI membranes.
- Smoother PEI films demonstrated reduced platelet adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate HUVEC adhesion and proliferation on very smooth PEI films.
- To compare PEI performance against tissue-cultured polystyrene (TCP).
- To assess PEI's biocompatibility for cardiovascular use.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity testing of PEI on HUVEC.
- Assessment of plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity.
- Long-term cell seeding experiments up to eleven days.
Main Results:
- PEI exhibited slight cytotoxicity, reduced plasma membrane integrity, and lower mitochondrial activity in HUVEC.
- HUVEC successfully proliferated on PEI films, reaching confluence comparable to TCP.
- Cell density on PEI was 91,590 ± 19,583 cells/cm(2) versus 96,190 ± 18,289 cells/cm(2) on TCP.
Conclusions:
- Very smooth PEI films support HUVEC proliferation to confluence, indicating potential for cardiovascular applications.
- Despite initial cytotoxicity, PEI demonstrates cell growth capacity.
- Future studies will investigate shear force effects for dynamic stability assessment.
