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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface
Published on: October 8, 2013
Reversible 2D networks of oligo(ε-caprolactone) at the air-water interface
Shivam Saretia1, Rainhard Machatschek, Burkhard Schulz
1Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstraße 55, D-14513 Teltow, Germany. Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany.
Abstract:
Hydroxyl terminated oligo(ε-caprolactone) (OCL) monolayers were reversibly cross-linked forming two dimensional networks (2D) at the air-water interface. The equilibrium reaction with glyoxal as the cross-linker is pH-sensitive. Pronounced contraction in the area of the prepared 2D OCL films in dependence of surface pressure and time revealed the process of the reaction. Cross-linking inhibited crystallization and retarded enzymatic degradation of the OCL film. Altering the subphase pH led to a cleavage of the covalent acetal cross-links. The reversibility of the covalent acetal cross-links was proved by observing an identical isotherm as non-cross-linked sample. Besides as model systems, these customizable reversible OCL 2D networks are intended for use as pH responsive drug delivery systems or functionalized cell culture substrates.
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