Interfacing biomembrane mimetic polymer surfaces with living cells - Surface modification for reliable bioartificial liver

The surface design used for reducing nonspecific biofouling is one of the most important issues for the fabrication of medical devices. We present here a newly synthesized a carbohydrate-immobilized phosphorylcholine polymer for surface modification of medical devices to control the interface with living cells. A random copolymer composed of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), n-butyl methacrylate (BMA), and 2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate (LAMA) was synthesized by conventional radical polymerization. The monomer feeding ratio in the copolymer was adjusted to 24/75/1 (MPC/BMA/LAMA). The copolymer (PMBL1.0) could be coated by solvent evaporation from an ethanol solution.Cells of the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) having asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) were seeded on PMBL1.0 or poly(BMA) (PBMA)-coated PET plates. On PBMA, many adherent cells were observed and were well spread with monolayer adhesion. HepG2 adhesion was observed on PMBL1.0 because the cell has ASGPRs. Furthermore, some of the cells adhering to PMBL1.0 had a spheroid formation and similarly shaped spheroids were scattered on the surface. According to confocal laser microscopic observation after 96 h cultivation, it was found that albumin production preferentially occurred in the center of the spheroid. The albumin production of the cells that adhered to PBMA was sparse. The amount of albumin production per unit cell that adhered to PMBL1.0 was determined by ELISA and was significantly higher than that which adhered to PBMA.Long-term cultivation of HepG2 was also performed using hollow fiber mini-modules coated with PMBL1.0. The concentration of albumin produced from HepG2 increased continuously for one month. In the mini-module, the function of HepG2 was effectively preserved for that period. On the hollow fiber membrane, spheroid formation of HepG2 cells was also observed.In conclusion, PMBL1.0 can provide a suitable surface for the cultivation of hepatocytes and has great potential for producing reliable bioartificial liver (BAL) devices.     

Supercritical fluid-assisted synthesis of a carbon nanotubes-grafted biocompatible polymer composite

A nanocomposite consisting of multi-wall nanotubes (MWNTs) grafted with a biocompatible polymer poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was prepared by in situ polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. The surface of the MWNTs was first surface modified with hydroxyl groups in the solution of KMnO₄ and a phase-transfer catalyst. MWNT-OH was then functionalized with vinyl groups using a silane coupling agent, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The silane groups can improve the dipersion of MWNTs in supercritical carbon dioxide, while the terminal vinyl groups help fabricate polymer chains on the MWNT surface. The as-synthesized products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The SEM and TEM images showed that the nanotubes were well coated with the polymer shell. The composite had higher thermal stability than the pure polymer and dispersed well in methanol. This biocompatible polymer composite was prepared using a green method and is expected to be useful as a biomaterial composite with potential applications in the biological field.     

Construction of phospholipid anti-biofouling multilayer on biomedical PET surfaces

The biomimetic phospholipid anti-biofouling multilayers were constructed on the biomedical poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) through the combination of layer-by-layer assembly and Michael addition reaction. Two biomacromolecules with opposite charges, alginate and chitosan, were sequentially adsorbed onto PET samples. The assembled multilayer was subsequently crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and biomimetic phospholipids was introduced into the assembled multilayer through the Michael addition of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). The multilayer and phospholipid-modified PETs showed excellent hemocompatibility.     

Surface modification with both phosphorylcholine and stearyl groups to adjust hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity

A new monolayer film with tunable hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity was constructed on glass coverslips by stepwise grafting with both phosphorylcholine (PC) and stearyl groups. The glass coverslips were firstly hydroxylized to provide reactive sites on the surfaces. Subsequently, chlorodimethyl-n-octadecylsilane was chemically adsorbed onto the surface to impart the required hydrophobicity. The remaining hydroxyl groups were grafted with 1,6-diisocyanatohexane. Finally, 2-hydroxy-2-ethylphosphorylcholine was grafted onto the attached isocyanate groups. Dynamic contact angle (DCA) measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that the step-by-step modification process was successful. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin and bovine plasma fibrinogen, as well as the adhesion and aggregation of platelets were suppressed with the introduction of phospholipid moieties on the surfaces. This tunable surface may have potential applications in the fields of separation science, tissue engineering, cytobiology, drug delivery and gene therapy.     

A new approach to the immobilisation of poly(ethylene oxide) for the reduction of non-specific protein adsorption on conductive substrates

Biomedical and biotechnological devices often require surface modifications to improve their performance. In most cases, uniform coatings are desired which provide a specific property or lead to a specific biological response. In the present work, we have generated pinhole-free coatings providing amine functional groups achieved by electropolymerisation of tyramine on highly doped silicon substrates. Furthermore, amine groups were used for the subsequent grafting of poly(ethylene oxide) aldehyde via reductive amination. All surface modification steps were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicate that the stability and the density of amine functional groups introduced at the surface via electropolymerisation compare favourably with alternative coatings frequently used in biomedical and biotechnological devices such as plasma polymer films. Furthermore, protein adsorption on amine and poly(ethylene oxide) coatings was studied by XPS and a colorimetric assay to test enzymatic activity. The grafting of poly(ethylene oxide) under cloud point conditions on electropolymerised tyramine layers resulted in surfaces with extremely low protein fouling character.     

Tunable cell membrane mimetic surfaces prepared with a novel phospholipid polymer

A novel method to fabricate and tune cell membrane mimetic surfaces was developed based on the use of an amphiphilic random copolymer bearing phosphorylcholine (PC), stearyl and crosslinkable trimethoxysilylpropyl groups synthesized by free radical copolymerization. The polymer was coated on glass coverslips by dip-coating. The coated films were treated in water allowing reorganization of the surface groups to mimic the structure of cell outer membranes. This structure was fixed by crosslinking of the trimethoxysilylpropyl groups linked to the copolymer chains, as ascertained by dynamic contact angle (DCA) and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) measurements. Our results indicate that the surface structure can be tuned to a great extent to obtain a stable outer membrane mimetic surface/interface.     

Comparison of Surface Tension Components and Hansen Solubility Parameters Theories. Part I: Explanation of Protein Adsorption on Polymers

Surface tension components and Hansen solubility parameters are two different theories used to explain and predict the compatibility and miscibility for polymer blends, composite polymer materials, and additives in polymer matrix. In this paper, the adsorption mechanism of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on eight polymers (PC, POM, PBT, PPO, PSF, PVDF, PEI, and PES) was researched through surface tension components and Hansen solubility parameters theories. The adsorption amounts of BSA on the polymers were measured through static adsorption experiments. It was found that the BSA adsorption amount cannot be directly correlated with the Hansen solubility parameters. However, there is high correlation between the Lifshitz-van der Waals component of surface tension of the polymers and BSA adsorption amount. With the increase in van der Waals value, the BSA adsorption amount on the polymers increases, but there still exists a complicated behavior. The protein adsorption mechanism is complex.     

Electron beam induced modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films

Electron beam processing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films is found to promote significant changes in the melting heat, intrinsic viscosity and polymer film-liquid (water, isooctane and toluene) boundary surface tension. These properties are featured with several maximums depending on the absorbed dose and correlating with the modification of PET surface functionality. Studies using adsorption of acid-base indicators and IR-spectroscopy revealed that the increase of PET surface hydrophilicity is determined by the oxidation of methylene and methyne groups. Electron beam treatment of PET films on the surface of N-vinylpyrrolidone aqueous solution provided graft copolymerization with this comonomer at optimum process parameters (energy 700 keV, current 1 mA, absorbed dose 50 kGy).     

Synthesis of graphene oxide-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) composite by dispersion polymerization in supercritical CO2: adsorption behavior for the removal of organic dye

The use of a biocompatible and thermoresponsive polymer, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) grafted onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO) as an adsorbent for the removal of a cationic dye (methylene blue [MB]) from an aqueous solution is examined in this work. GO–PHEMA forms a hydrogel in water thus overcoming the problem faced by carbon-based adsorbent materials during post-treatment (i.e., separation of adsorbent from the aqueous phase). The GO–PHEMA composite was synthesized using a green approach through dispersion polymerization in supercritical CO₂. The successful preparation of this composite was confirmed by a series of characterization techniques. The adsorption behavior of the composite toward MB such as the effect of the adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, dye concentration, and recyclability were observed. In addition, the adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics were investigated. According to the experimental data, the adsorption parameters were found to fit well into the Freundlich adsorption isotherm with a correlation coefficient of 0.975 and a maximum predicted adsorption capacity of 39.41 mg g^?1 at 25 °C. The adsorption kinetics studies showed that the adsorption behavior followed a pseudo-second-order reaction. On the other hand, the thermodynamics studies showed that the adsorption of MB on GO–PHEMA composite followed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process with an efficient adsorption temperature at 45 °C. The experimental results also showed that the GO–PHEMA composite could remove 99.8% of the dye in 45 min. Therefore, GO–PHEMA composite is a favorable green adsorbent for environmental applications.     

Biocompatibility of polypropylene non-woven fabric membrane via UV-induced graft polymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid

This work described the graft polymerization of a sulfonic acid terminated monomer, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), onto the surface of polypropylene non-woven (NWF PP) membrane by O₂ plasma pretreatment and UV-induced photografting method. The chemical structure and composition of the modified surfaces were analyzed by FTIR-ATR and XPS, respectively. The wettability was investigated by water contact angle and equilibrium water adsorption. And the biocompatibility of the modified NWF PP membranes was evaluated by protein adsorption and platelet adhesion. It was found that the graft density increased with prolonging UV irradiation time and increasing AMPS concentration; the water contact angles of the membranes decreased from 124° to 26° with the increasing grafting density of poly(AMPS) from 0 to 884.2 μg cm⁻², while the equilibrium water adsorption raised from 5 wt% to 75 wt%; the protein absorption was effectively suppressed with the introduction of poly(AMPS) even at the low grafting density (132.4 μg cm⁻²); the number of platelets adhering to the modified membrane was dramatically reduced when compared with that on its virgin surface. These results indicated that surface modification of NWF PP membrane with AMPS was a facile approach to construct biocompatible surface.     

Crystalline TiO2 grafted with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) via surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization

Crystalline TiO₂ films were prepared by unbalanced magnetron sputtering and the structure was confirmed by XRD. An organic layer of 11-hydroxyundecylphosphonic acid (HUPA) was prepared on the TiO₂ films by self-assembling, and the HUPA on TiO₂ films was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Simultaneously, hydroxyl groups were introduced in the phosphonic acid molecules to provide a functionality for further chemical modification. 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), a biomimetic monomer, was chemically grafted on the HUPA surfaces at room temperature by surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization. The surface characters of TiO₂ films modified by poly-MPC were confirmed by FTIR, XPS and SEM analysis. Platelet adhesion experiment revealed that poly-MPC modified surface was effective to inhibit platelet adhesion in vitro.     

Investigation of the influence factors of polyethylene molecule encapsulated into carbon nanotubes by molecular dynamics simulation

In this work, the influence factors, namely chirality, temperature, radius and surface chemical modification, of the interaction energy for polyethylene (PE) molecule encapsulated into single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) had been investigated by molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results showed that all these factors would influence the interaction energy between PE and SWNTs. The interaction energy between PE molecule and the armchair SWNTs is largest among eight kinds of chiral SWNTs. The interaction energy decreases with the increase of temperature or the SWNT radius. The methyl, phenyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, -F, and amino groups, have been introduced onto the surface of the SWNTs by the simulation software and the influence of SWNT chemical modification has also been investigated. The interaction energy between PE and chemically modified SWNTs is larger than that between PE and pristine SWNTs, and increases with increasing the concentration of the modified groups monotonously. In addition, the group electronegativity and van der Waals force will affect the interaction energy between PE and chemically modified SWNTs greatly, which can be attributed to the electronic structures of the chemically modified groups. This study can provide some useful suggestions for the composite material design and drug transport.     

Selective cell culture on UV transparent polymer by F2 laser surface modification

A microchip made of UV transparent polymer (CYTOP) that can perform selective cell culture has been fabricated by F₂ laser surface modification. The refractive index of CYTOP is almost the same as that of culture medium, which is essential for three-dimensional (3D) observation of cells. The F₂ laser modification of CYTOP achieves hydrophilicity only on the laser irradiated area with little deterioration of the optical properties and surface smoothness. After the laser modification, HeLa cells were successfully cultured and strongly adhered only on the modified area of CYTOP. The cells patterned on CYTOP were applied for clear 3D observation using an optical microscope in phase contrast mode.     

Preparation and characterizations of PVAc/P(VdF-HFP)-based polymer blend electrolytes

A novel group of polymer blend electrolytes based on the mixture of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), and the lithium salt (LiClO₄) are prepared by solvent casting technique. Ionic conductivity of the polymer blend electrolytes has been investigated by varying the PVAc and PVdF-HFP content in the polymer matrix. The maximum ionic conductivity has been obtained as 0.527 × 10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹ at 303 K for PVAc/PVdF-HFP ((25/75) wt.%)/LiClO₄ (8 wt.%). The complex formations ascertained from XRD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques and the thermal behavior of the prepared samples has been performed by DSC analysis. The surface morphology and the surface roughness are studied using SEM and AFM scanning techniques respectively.     

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticle by PMAA and its dispersion in aqueous system

Commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles were modified by polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) in aqueous system. The hydroxyl groups of nano-ZnO particle surface can interact with carboxyl groups (COO-) of PMAA and form poly(zinc methacrylate) complex on the surface of nano-ZnO. The formation of poly(zinc methacrylate) complex was testified by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that PMAA molecules were absorbed or anchored on the surface of nano-ZnO particle, which facilitated to hinder the aggregation of nano-ZnO particles. Through particle size analysis and transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observation, it was found that PMAA enhanced the dispersibility of nano-ZnO particles in water. The dispersion stabilization of modified ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous system was significantly improved due to the introduction of grafted polymer on the surface of nanoparticles. The modification did not alter the crystalline structure of the ZnO nanoparticles according to the X-ray diffraction patterns.     

Polymer adsorption on the surface of highly dispersed silica

Attempts at modification of silica surface with a polymer (natural latex) directly in the course of the precipitation process have been made. The effects of temperature, non-ionic surfactants and silane coupling agent in preparation of poly[cis-isoprene]-coated silica on the precipitation of polymer/silica composites initiated by ammonium salts (NH₄Cl, (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄HCO₃), have been studied. The influence of the process parameters on the quality of the silicas obtained and the character of the polymer adsorption on the silica surface has been determined along with the effect of the surface impregnation with natural latex on physicochemical parameters of the silicas (bulk density, capacities to absorb water, dibutyl phthalate and paraffin oil) and their surface structure.     

Role of reactive gas in atmospheric plasma for cell attachment and proliferation on biocompatible poly ?-caprolactone film

This paper reports the surface modification of a biocompatible poly ?-caprolactone (PCL) film treated by atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) with reactive gases. The change in wettability and surface morphology of the PCL film after the plasma treatment with the reactive gases (Ar, H₂, N₂ and O₂) were determined using contact angle and surface roughness measurements. The chemical bonding states and molecular vibration modes of the activated organic groups on the polymer surface were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transformation infrared techniques. The surface of the ACP-treated PCL films was also examined for their in vitro cell attachment and proliferation using human prostate epithelial cells (HPECs). The increase in the hydrophobicity of the Ar + H₂ plasma-treated PCL film resulted in a lower cell loading in the initial step of cell culture as well as a decrease in the level of cell attachment and proliferation compared with the pristine film. However, the hydrophilic properties of the Ar + N₂, Ar and Ar + O₂ plasma-treated PCL film improved the adhesion properties. Therefore, the Ar + N₂, Ar and Ar + O₂ plasma-treated PCL films showed a better cell distribution and growth than that of the pristine PCL film. The ACP-treated PCL film is potentially useful as a suitable scaffold in biophysics and bio-medical engineering applications.     

Transport, structural and thermal studies on nanocomposite polymer blend electrolytes for Li-ion battery applications

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) composed of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-co-HFP) as a host polymer, Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) as an additive, Ethylene Carbonate (EC) as a plasticizer, Lithium Perchlorate as dopant salt and Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃) as a filler were prepared for various concentrations of BaTiO₃ using solvent casting technique. Thermal stability of the sample having maximum ionic conductivity was found using TG/DTA analysis. Nano composite polymer electrolytes were subjected to ac impedance analysis spectra for acquiring the ionic conductivity values at different temperature. Surface structure of the sample was analysed using scanning electron microscope and the complexations of samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction analysis. It was noted that the polymer electrolyte contains 8 wt. % of BaTiO₃ showed maximum ionic conductivity than the other ratios of BaTiO₃.     

Synthesis and application in solar cell of poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide nanocomposite

A conducting polymer composite poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide (P3DDT/TiO₂) nanocomposite was first synthesized through the ultrasonic method. The results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) show that there is chemical interaction in the composite. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) depict the morphology of the samples, defining that TiO₂ was successfully coated by poly(3-dodecylthiophene) molecules. The energy gap of the poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide composite is lower to 0.76 eV compare with poly(3-dodecylthiophene) and titanium dioxide separately, and it also shows that the optical performance of the new material is far superior than P3DDT or TiO₂ separately by ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV) and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL). Solar cell was sensitized by P3DDT/TiO₂. A solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 0.188% was attained with the system.     

Organic functionalization of thermally reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets by adsorption: structural and morphological characterization

Adsorption of chlorinated poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)-g-maleic anhydride copolymer and in situ-generated polyaniline (PANI) on thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) platelets was studied in the current study. The adsorption was characterized structurally and morphologically through thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis, infra-red and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and microscopy. The amount of copolymer adsorption reached a plateau of 0.22 g per g of TRGO, when the initial copolymer to TRGO weight ratio of 1 was used. In the case of PANI modification, much higher extent of adsorption of 0.92 g/g of TRGO (without reaching plateau) was observed due to in situ polymer synthesis and the absence of any steric hindrance to the chains. Shift in the DSC melting transition temperatures of copolymer also indicated that some change in the polymer chain morphology took place after immobilization of polymer on TRGO. PANI modification led to significant reduction in peak melting point from 175C to 140 °C owing to the hindrance in polymer crystallization. The basal plane spacing in the TRGO platelets increased the copolymer adsorption as the 0?0?1 basal plane diffraction shifted from 27° 2Θ for pristine TRGO to 22.5° 2Θ for modified TRGO. For the PANI modified TRGO, no diffraction signal corresponding to TRGO was observed due to extensive adsorption of polymer on the surface. A much thicker polymer phase wrapping the TRGO platelets was observed for PANI modified TRGO. This was also observed through EFTEM and EDX, where the presence of Cl and N (along with other atoms) indicated layer of copolymer and PANI, respectively on the surface of the platelets. EELS analysis also confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the modified TRGO resulting from the adsorption of semi-crystalline polymers on TRGO. The adsorption approaches used in the study demonstrate successful generation of the functional nanomaterials with tunable extent of surface coverage and potential of employing diverse surface modifications.