Fibronectin adsorption on oxygen plasma-treated polyurethane surfaces modulates endothelial cell response

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Fibronectin coating enhances implant biocompatibility by promoting endothelialization through integrin binding.
• Surface properties critically influence fibronectin orientation, conformation, and presentation of binding ligands, thereby affecting implant bioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of oxygen plasma treatment on polyurethane surfaces to modulate fibronectin adsorption.
• To correlate surface properties with fibronectin conformation, orientation, and binding affinity.
• To assess the impact of modulated fibronectin adsorption on endothelial cell response.

Main Methods:

• Oxygen plasma treatment of polyurethane with varied parameters.
• Characterization of fibronectin adsorption using atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, antibody staining, and reflectometric interference spectroscopy.
• Assessment of endothelial cell adherence, focal adhesion formation, and F-actin reorganization.

Main Results:

• Oxygen plasma treatment altered surface chemistry and topography, influencing fibronectin adsorption.
• Fibronectin exhibited different conformations, orientations, and binding affinities based on surface properties.
• Rough treated and smooth untreated surfaces showed significant exposed fibronectin-cell binding.
• Endothelial cells demonstrated higher adherence on fibronectin with low binding affinity and minimal conformational changes.
• Distinct differences in focal adhesion and F-actin organization were observed on treated and untreated surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Oxygen plasma treatment is an effective method for controlling fibronectin adsorption on polyurethane surfaces.
• Modulating fibronectin bioactivity through surface treatment can significantly impact endothelial cell responses.
• This technique offers a reliable approach to enhance implant biocompatibility by tailoring surface interactions.