Peptide, protein, and cellular interactions with self-assembled monolayer model surfaces

Area of Science:

• Surface chemistry and biomaterials science.
• Biomolecular interactions and cell adhesion.

Background:

• Developing model surfaces with controlled chemistry is crucial for understanding biomaterial-surface interactions.
• Previous studies have shown that surface properties influence biological responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize well-defined model biomaterial surfaces with varying terminal functionalities.
• To investigate the adsorption of proteins and synthetic peptides onto these surfaces.
• To evaluate the attachment and growth of canine endothelial cells on the model surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of alkyltrichlorosilane monolayers on silicon and glass substrates.
• Surface characterization using contact angles, surface spectroscopy, and ellipsometry.
• Assessment of endothelial cell adhesion, protein adsorption (human serum albumin, human fibrinogen), and synthetic oligopeptide adsorption using ESCA, radiometry, and contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• Surface chemistry significantly influenced endothelial cell attachment and growth in the order: -CH2OH > -CO2Me > -CH3 > -CF3.
• Differences in amphiphilic character of synthetic peptides led to varying adsorption behaviors.
• ESCA and radiometry indicated irreversible biomolecule adsorption, while contact angles measured steady-state adsorption.

Conclusions:

• The chemical nature of biomaterial surfaces plays a critical role in determining cell adhesion and biomolecule adsorption.
• Model surfaces with well-defined chemistry are valuable tools for studying biomaterial-biology interactions.
• Further investigation is needed to reconcile discrepancies between radiometric and ESCA results for protein adsorption.