Adhesion Contact Dynamics of Fibroblasts on Biomacromolecular Surfaces

• Published in: Macromolecular bioscience 2005-10, Vol.5 (10), p.1022-1031
• Main Authors: Fang, Ning, Zhu, Aiping, Chan-Park, Mary B., Chan, Vincent
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3T3 Cells; Actins - metabolism; adhesion dynamics; Animals; Applied sciences; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; biophysics; Cell Adhesion; Chitosan - chemistry; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; cytoskeleton; Exact sciences and technology; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Gelatin - chemistry; Gelatin - ultrastructure; Immunohistochemistry; Kinetics; Macromolecular Substances; Mice; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Microscopy, Confocal; Microscopy, Interference; Natural polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polymer; Proteins; Silicon Dioxide - chemistry; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Starch and polysaccharides; Substrate Specificity; Surface Properties
• ISSN: 1616-5187; 1616-5195
• DOI: 10.1002/mabi.200500123

Biomacromolecules like gelatin and chitosan have emerged as highly versatile biomimetic coatings for applications in tissue engineering. The elucidation of the interfacial kinetics of cell adhesion on biomacromolecular surfaces will pave the way for the rational design of chitosan/gelatin‐based systems for cell regeneration. Biomacromolecular ultra‐thin films, chemically immobilized on fused silica are ideal experimental models for determining the effect of surface properties on the biophysical cascades following cell seeding. In this study, confocal reflectance interference contrast microscopy (C‐RICM), in conjunction with phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy, was applied to detect the adhesion contact dynamics of 3T3 fibroblasts on chitosan and gelatin ultrathin films. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the immobilization of chitosan or gelatin on the silanized glass surface. Both the initial cell deformation rate and the change of two‐dimensional spread area of the 3T3 fibroblasts are higher on gelatin‐modified surfaces than on chitosan surfaces. The steady‐state adhesion energy of 3T3 fibroblasts on gelatin film is three times higher than that on chitosan film. Immuno‐staining of actin further demonstrates the different organization of cytoskeleton, likely induced by the change in cell signaling mechanism on the two biomacromolecular surfaces. The better attachment of 3T3 fibroblast to gelatin is postulated to be caused by the presence of adhesive domains on gelatin. C‐RICM images of a typical 3T3 cell on a gelatin‐immobilized substrate.