Characterization of biomedical polymer-adherent macrophages: interleukin 1 generation and scanning electron...

Macrophage activation following attachment to biomedical polymers was studied using two systems of analysis. Supernatants generated by human peripheral blood monocytes cultured on the surface of several different biomedical polymers were evaluated for the presence of the secreted regulatory protein interleukin 1 (IL1). In addition, each cell-polymer culture surface was subjected to scanning electron microscopy for gross morphological evaluation. Results indicate that, although all materials were efficient in the attachment and activation of cells, the panel of polymers showed a differential capacity in attachment and activation of monocytes. Dacron and polyethylene surfaces had a greater density of cells showing morphology indicative of activation, corresponding to elevated levels of IL1 in these cultures. Biomer and polydimethylsiloxane surfaces showed fewer activated cells and had lower IL1 levels in culture. Expanded polytetrafluorethylene resulted in intermediate levels of IL1 and attached cells showing activated morphology.