Surface modification of cell culture carriers: Routes to anhydride functionalization of polystyrene

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces B, Biointerfaces, 2012-02, Vol.90, p.41-47
• Main Authors: Nitschke, Mirko, Ricciardi, Serena, Gramm, Stefan, Zschoche, Stefan, Herklotz, Manuela, Rivolo, Paola, Werner, Carsten
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adherent cells; Biocompatible Materials - analysis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - radiation effects; Biotechnology - methods; cell culture; Cell Culture Techniques; colloids; Electron beam; Electrons; Fluoresceins - analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Low pressure plasma; Maleic anhydride; maleic anhydrides; Maleic Anhydrides - chemistry; Materials Testing; Photoelectron Spectroscopy; Plasma Gases; Plastics - analysis; Plastics - chemistry; Plastics - radiation effects; polystyrenes; Polystyrenes - analysis; Polystyrenes - chemistry; protein binding; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Surface Properties; ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2011.09.034

[Display omitted] ► Anhydride surface functionalization of polystyrene cell culture carriers facilitates a simple and versatile way to protein binding. ► Different techniques (plasma and electron beam based) are introduced and compared. ► All techniques are capable of lateral microstructuring. Physico-chemical and topographical cues allow to control the behavior of adherent cells. Towards this goal, commercially available cell culture carriers can be finished with a laterally microstructured biomolecular functionalization. As shown in a previous study [Biomacromolecules 4 (2003) 1072], the anhydride moiety facilitates a simple and versatile way to protein binding. The present work addresses the technical issue of anhydride surface functionalization of polystyrene, the most common material for cell culture ware. Different approaches based on low pressure plasma, electron beam and ultraviolet light techniques (i.e. maleic anhydride plasma reactions; plasma, electron beam and UV immobilization of functional polymer thin films; grafting of functional polymers to plasma activated surfaces) are introduced and briefly illustrated with examples. Results are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ellipsometry. The different routes are compared in terms of technical feasibility and achievable surface properties.