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Crosslinked PEG mats for peptide immobilization and stem cell adhesion.
Samantha K Schmitt1, William L Murphy, Padma Gopalan
1Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. pgopalan@wisc.edu.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
We developed a stable, flexible copolymer coating for studying human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). This new material controls cell adhesion by binding specific peptides, offering a reliable tool for cell research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Studying human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) requires biomaterials that offer stability and controlled cell interactions.
- Existing materials may lack the necessary compositional flexibility or long-term stability for in-depth cellular studies.
- Developing robust biointerfaces is crucial for understanding cell behavior and response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a lightly crosslinked, PEG-based copolymer coating for studying hMSCs.
- To create a stable and compositionally flexible material for precise control over cell adhesion.
- To investigate the impact of peptide functionalization on hMSC adhesion, spreading, and focal adhesion formation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a copolymer comprising poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA), poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA).
- Crosslinking of copolymer thin films into stable mats using thermal treatment or UV light.
- Functionalization with RGDSP peptides and characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Main Results:
- The copolymer mats demonstrated stability for 35 days at 37 °C and resisted non-specific cell adhesion.
- Optimized PEGMA content (∼11%) maximized peptide binding while minimizing non-specific protein interactions.
- RGDSP functionalization promoted hMSC adhesion, spreading, and focal adhesion complex formation in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Scrambled peptide (RDGSP) coatings maintained cytophobicity, confirming receptor-mediated adhesion.
- XPS quantified peptide concentrations, with an average of 17.9 pmol cm⁻² for RGDSP.
Conclusions:
- The developed PEG-based copolymer coating offers excellent stability, compositional flexibility, and precise control over hMSC adhesion.
- The material's ability to quantify bound peptides and maintain functionality makes it ideal for studying cellular processes.
- This versatile biointerface supports research where biointerface stability, functionality, and topography are critical.
