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On-Demand Cell Sheet Release with Low Density Peptide-Functionalized Non-LCST Polymer Brushes
Anna Schulte1, Andres de Los Santos Pereira2, Robert Pola2
1Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Department of Chemistry and Biology University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57076, Siegen, Germany.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|January 4, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method for harvesting cell sheets without using temperature-sensitive materials. This technique uses special coatings that allow cells to attach, grow, and be released easily for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Cell sheet harvesting is crucial for regenerative medicine therapies.
- Thermoresponsive polymers are typically required for cell adhesion, proliferation, and release.
- Existing methods often rely on temperature-triggered mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an alternative cell sheet harvesting method that avoids thermoresponsive materials.
- To enable on-demand release of cell sheets using non-thermoresponsive coatings.
- To provide a versatile platform for regenerative medicine applications.
Main Methods:
- End-group biofunctionalization of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p(HEMA)) brushes with cell-adhesive peptides.
- Utilizing non-thermoresponsive and antifouling polymer brushes.
- Investigating cell attachment, proliferation, and release dynamics.
- Surface characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Non-functionalized p(HEMA) surfaces repelled cells, while peptide-functionalized surfaces promoted NIH 3T3 fibroblast attachment and proliferation.
- Confluent cell sheets were formed and could be released by rinsing with cell-culture medium.
- Low surface density of cell-adhesive peptides facilitated cell sheet release.
- The system allowed for repeated cell seeding, proliferation, and release without additional pretreatment.
Conclusions:
- A novel, non-thermoresponsive approach for cell sheet harvesting and on-demand release has been developed.
- This method circumvents the need for temperature-sensitive materials, offering a simpler alternative.
- The platform supports repeated use and can be adapted for various cell types by selecting appropriate cell-adhesive ligands.
