Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary biological study of poly(3-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone).

Poly(3-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) has been synthesized and characterized by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The polymer is a chemically amplified photoresist. Arrays of lines with 25 microm width and 25 microm spacing were successfully patterned with this polymer by photolithography. Rat fibroblast cells were seeded on these patterned surfaces as well as the smooth glass surface. Phase contrast microscopy showed that cells on the patterned surfaces were strongly aligned and elongated along the grooves as compared to randomly spreading on the smooth surface. Since controlling cell orientation is critical for the development of advanced forms of tissue repair and cell engineering therapies, for example, peripheral nerve repair, production of tendon and ligament substitutes in vitro, and control of microvascular repair, the described polymer may be useful for applications in tissue reconstruction.