Photo-reactive polymers for the immobilisation of epidermal growth factors

Photo-reactive polymers are important for biomaterials, including devices with a 3D-structure. Here, different types of photo-reactive polymers were prepared and utilised for immobilisation of growth factors. They were synthesised by conjugation of gelatin with the azidophenyl group or by copolymerisation of the azidophenyl group-coupled methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. The azidophenyl content and the zeta potential of the prepared polymers were measured. After spin coating of polymers, the thickness and the water contact angle of coated layers were measured. The amount of the immobilised epidermal growth factor (EGF) was determined using fluorescence labelling. Cell adhesion responded to the nature of photo-reactive polymers but did not depend on the immobilised EGF. However, cell growth was dependent on the amount of immobilised EGF and was significantly affected by the nature of photo-reactive polymers. The study shows that the properties of the photo-immobilisation matrix significantly influence the biological activity.