Surface modifications to polydimethylsiloxane substrate for stabilizing prolonged bone marrow stromal cell culture

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in microfluidic cell studies but its hydrophobicity limits long-term cell adhesion.
• Existing methods like UV exposure, protein coating, and chemical functionalization have drawbacks.
• Plasma treatment offers hydrophilicity but is often temporary due to hydrophobic recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a protocol for maintaining plasma-treated PDMS hydrophilicity for long-term cell culture.
• To investigate the combined effects of varying PDMS physical properties and plasma treatment on bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs).

Main Methods:

• PDMS substratum properties were varied using different base:curing agent ratios.
• Plasma treatment was applied to PDMS surfaces, with and without collagen coating.
• The stability of BMSC culture was assessed over three weeks, evaluating cell adhesion, proliferation, and in-vitro plasticity.

Main Results:

• A protocol was developed to sustain PDMS hydrophilicity across varied substratum properties.
• Varying PDMS properties enhanced BMSC culture stability for over three weeks.
• Plasma treatment and collagen coating further improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and plasticity.

Conclusions:

• Modifying PDMS physical properties is a simple and effective strategy for long-term cell culture.
• Optimized PDMS surfaces support sustained BMSC adhesion, proliferation, and in-vitro plasticity.
• This approach enables advanced long-term cell analysis in PDMS-based microfluidic platforms.