Folic acid-modified clay: targeted surface design for cell culture applications

Here we report the preparation, characterization and application of folic acid modified Montmorillonite clay (FA-Mont) as a cell culture material. Clays exhibit unique properties such as good mechanical and chemical stabilities, high surface area, low toxicity and easy combination with functional organic groups. FA was used as a modifier to facilitate adhesion of folate positive cells on the clay surface. FA-Mont was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, zeta potential measurements as well as thermogravimetric analyses. Finally, the usage potential of FA-Mont as a receptor mediated cell adhesion material was successfully proved by using folate receptor (FR) rich HeLa and FR poor A-549 cells. The cell adhesion studies were monitored and imaged by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy techniques.