MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Abstract:
Mussel‐inspired poly(dopamine) (PDA) coating is proven to be a simple, versatile, and effective strategy to promote cell adhesion onto various substrates. In this study, the initial adhesive behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is evaluated on a PDA coating under serum‐free conditions. It is found that HUVECs can attach directly to and spread with well‐organized cytoskeleton and fibrillar adhesions on the PDA surface, whereas cells adhere poorly to and barely spread on the control polycaprolactone surface. Endogenous fibronectin and α5β1 integrin are found to be involved in the cell adhesion process. These findings will lead to a better understanding of interactions between cells and PDA coating, paving the way for the further development of PDA.
