Topography-induced cell adhesion to Acr-sP(EO-stat-PO) hydrogels: the role of protein adsorption.

Topographic surface patterning of intrinsically non-adhesive P(EO-stat-PO)-based hydrogels can lead to the adhesion and spreading of fibroblasts. Explanations for this unexpected behavior are discussed, particularly with regard to non-specific protein adsorption from the serum-supplemented culture medium. The presence of serum proteins is shown to be essential for adhesion. Adsorption of plasma and ECM proteins (Fibronectin (FN) and Vitronectin (VN)) to the hydrogels is possible. The effect of VN on initial cell adhesion is analyzed in detail. It appears that VN is the main serum component that is crucial for initial cell adhesion to PEG and that surface topography is essential for further, durable adhesion establishment, and spreading.