Hyaluronan-based pericellular matrix: substrate electrostatic charges and early cell adhesion events
Caterina Fotia1, Grazia M L Messina, Giovanni Marletta
1SSD Laboratory of Orthopaedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy.gabriela.ciapetti@ior.it.
European Cells & Materials
|September 21, 2013
Summary
The pericellular matrix (PCM), a hyaluronan coat, mediates early cell adhesion to surfaces. Its interaction with charged materials like polyelectrolyte multilayer films is complex, influenced by surface chemistry beyond simple electrostatics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Cells possess a pericellular matrix (PCM) rich in hyaluronan, crucial for initial surface interactions before integrin involvement.
- Hyaluronan's negative charge suggests electrostatic forces play a role in cell adhesion to surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in early cell adhesion to charged polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) surfaces.
- To explore how the electrical properties of PCM influence cell attachment dynamics.
- To understand the interplay between PCM, cell activity, and surface chemistry in biomaterial interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films (PEI/PSS) and analyzed their nanoscale morphology via atomic force microscopy and surface chemistry via X-ray photoemission spectroscopy.
- Employed PCM-coated and PCM-depleted MG63 osteoblast-like cells to assess cell density, morphology, and adhesive structures during early attachment (1-6 hours).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that the pericellular matrix (PCM) actively participates in cell adhesion to material surfaces.
- Showed that PCM arrangement is dynamic and influenced by the specific cell-surface interactions.
- Found that PCM/surface interactions are not solely governed by electrostatic effects; specific surface chemical groups significantly impact cell response.
Conclusions:
- The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in cell adhesion to biomaterials.
- Biomimetic surface design must consider the complex role of PCM and its interaction with surface chemistry for effective cell adhesion and function.
- Future development of cell-instructive materials should account for the PCM's contribution to cell-material interfaces.
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