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The Evolution of Polystyrene as a Cell Culture Material
Max J Lerman1,2,3, Josephine Lembong3,4, Shin Muramoto2
11 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland.
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|April 11, 2018
Summary
Polystyrene (PS) surfaces are crucial for in vitro cell culture, but require surface modifications for optimal cell adhesion and growth. This review explores PS material development, fabrication, and functionalization for both 2D and 3D cell culture applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polystyrene (PS) is a foundational material in modern in vitro cell culture.
- Native PS surfaces exhibit poor cell adhesion and growth characteristics.
- Advancements are needed to enhance PS for diverse cell culture applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development, fabrication, and surface treatment of polystyrene for cell culture.
- To highlight methods for modifying PS surfaces to improve cell adhesion and growth.
- To explore the transition of PS from 2D to 3D culture models.
Main Methods:
- Review of material development and fabrication techniques for PS.
- Analysis of surface modification strategies including liquid deposition, plasma activation, and functionalization.
- Examination of methods for creating 3D PS culture surfaces like casting, electrospinning, and 3D printing.
Main Results:
- Surface modifications significantly enhance cell adhesion and growth on PS.
- Various techniques enable the transformation of PS into specialized 2D and 3D culture platforms.
- PS demonstrates versatility as a general and custom cell culture material.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene remains a versatile and adaptable platform for advanced cell culture.
- Emerging scaffolding approaches offer future potential for PS in tissue engineering.
- Continued innovation in PS surface functionalization will drive future cell culture applications.
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