A new method for continual quantitation of viable cells on endothelialized polyurethanes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Cardiovascular Engineering

Background:

• Segmented polyurethanes are used in cardiovascular prostheses.
• Improving hemocompatibility often involves endothelial cell lining.
• Monitoring endothelial cell growth on these materials is crucial but challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate a novel fluorescent assay for monitoring endothelial cell attachment and growth on segmented polyurethanes.
• To address limitations of conventional cell enumeration techniques for polyurethane scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Alamar Blue, a novel, reproducible fluorescent assay.
• Assay is based on the reduction of an electrochemically sensitive compound by viable cells.
• Tested assay's applicability to various endothelial cell types on segmented polyurethanes.

Main Results:

• The Alamar Blue assay proved highly reproducible.
• The assay is non-cytotoxic, and the bioreduced product is stable and soluble.
• The method is independent of scaffold geometry and material properties, overcoming limitations of traditional assays.

Conclusions:

• The Alamar Blue assay is a suitable, non-destructive method for monitoring endothelial cell growth on segmented polyurethanes.
• This assay facilitates accurate assessment of cell viability for cardiovascular prostheses development.
• The technique offers a reliable solution for evaluating endothelialization of biomaterials.