Improvement of the functions of osteoblasts seeded on modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) with poly(aspartic acid).

One of the challenges in the field of tissue engineering is the development of biomaterial/cell interactions. For the purposes of the present study, two molecular weights of poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) were used to modify poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films in order to enhance their cell affinity. The properties of the PDLLA-modified surfaces and the controls were investigated by water contact angle measurement and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). These data reflect the change in the biocompatibility of modified PDLLA surfaces. Then rat osteoblasts were seeded onto these modified surfaces and on controls to examine their effects on cell adhesion and proliferation. Cell morphologies on these surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cell viability was evaluated with a MTT assay. In addition, differentiated cell function was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results suggest that PASP-modified surfaces may enhance the interactions between osteoblasts and PDLLA films. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.