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Simple surface engineering of polydimethylsiloxane with polydopamine for stabilized mesenchymal stem cell adhesion
Yon Jin Chuah1, Yi Ting Koh1, Kaiyang Lim1
1School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459, Singapore.
Scientific Reports
|December 10, 2015
Summary
A novel polydopamine coating enhances polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface biocompatibility for long-term stem cell culture. This bio-inspired method improves cell adhesion and proliferation in microfluidic devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in mechanobiology and microfluidics.
- PDMS's hydrophobicity limits long-term cell adhesion and proliferation.
- Existing surface modifications for PDMS are often short-lived or use harsh chemicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a greener, biocompatible PDMS surface for stable long-term stem cell culture.
- To utilize a bio-inspired polydopamine coating strategy.
- To enhance PDMS suitability for microfluidic cell analysis.
Main Methods:
- A one-step polydopamine coating was applied to PDMS substrates.
- Surface characterization included wettability and chemical analysis (hydroxyl and amine groups).
- Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured long-term on coated and uncoated PDMS.
Main Results:
- Polydopamine coating altered PDMS surface wettability.
- Hydroxyl and secondary amine groups were detected on coated surfaces.
- Coated PDMS demonstrated stable BMSC adhesion, proliferation, and multipotency.
Conclusions:
- The polydopamine coating significantly improves PDMS biocompatibility for long-term cell culture.
- This simple, eco-friendly method enhances PDMS for microfluidic applications.
- The approach supports stable stem cell culture for mechanobiology and analysis.
