Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)--collagen composites which promote muscle cell differentiation in vitro

A new simple method has been developed which allows the mixing of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)--polyHEMA--and fibrillar collagen in any desired ratio. PolyHEMA alone was shown to be an unsuitable cultivation substrate for primary cultures of chicken embryonic skeletal muscle cells. Composites containing polyHEMA and 50% (w/w) or more collagen supported myogenesis. Such layers, firmly adhered to the bottom of plastic Petri dishes, were mechanically stable and biologically active, thus favourably combining properties of both the original materials. It is suggested that polyHEMA-collagen composite layers may be used for cultivation of differentiating cells in vitro.