Balanced Effects of Surface Reactivity and Self-Association of Bifunctional Polyaspartamide on Stem Cell Adhesion

Extensive efforts have been made to regulate surface wettability using bivalent polymers composed of hydrophobic surface-reactive groups and hydrophilic groups. To further enhance the controllability, this study demonstrates that the balance between the surface reactivity and self-aggregation of bivalent poly(hydroxyethyl-co-methacryloxyethyl aspartamide) (PHMAA) is crucial in controlling the wettability of methacrylated glass and thus the adhesion of stem cells. In particular, the wettability of the glass and the subsequent cell spreading became maximal with PHMAA that led to the largest and most uniform coverage of hydroxyl groups. In summary, this study would be useful in advancing various molecules used for surface engineering.