The effect of polyelectrolyte chain length on layer-by-layer protein/polyelectrolyte assembly--an experimental study

Layer-by-Layer Nanoparticle Assembly for Biomedicine: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Advancement via Acoustofluidics

The deposition of thin films plays a crucial role in surface engineering, tailoring structural modifications, and functionalization across diverse applications. Layer-by-layer self-assembly, a prominent thin-film deposition method, has witnessed substantial growth since its mid-20th-century inception, driven by the discovery of eligible materials and innovative assembly technologies. Of these materials, micro- and nanoscopic substrates have received far less interest than their macroscopic counterparts; however, this is changing. The catalogue of eligible materials, including nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymers, proteins, cells and liposomes, along with some well-established layer-by-layer technologies, have combined to unlock impactful applications in biomedicine, as well as other areas like food fortification, and water remediation. To access these fields, several well-established technologies have been used, including tangential flow filtration, fluidized bed, atomization, electrophoretic assembly, and dielectrophoresis. Despite the invention of these technologies, the field of particle layer-by-layer still requires further technological development to achieve a high-yield, automatable, and industrially ready process, a requirement for the diverse, reactionary field of biomedicine and high-throughput pharmaceutical industry. This review provides a background on layer-by-layer, focusing on how its constituent building blocks and bonding mechanisms enable unmatched versatility. The discussion then extends to established and recent technologies employed for coating micro- and nanoscopic matter, evaluating their drawbacks and advantages, and highlighting promising areas in microfluidic approaches, where one distinctly auspicious technology emerges, acoustofluidics. The review also explores the potential and demonstrated application of acoustofluidics in layer-by-layer technology, as well as analyzing existing acoustofluidic technologies beyond LbL coating in areas such as cell trapping, cell sorting, and multidimensional particle manipulation. Finally, the review concludes with future perspectives on layer-by-layer nanoparticle coating and the potential impact of integrating acoustofluidic methods.

Theory and experiment of chain length effects on the adsorption of polyelectrolytes onto spherical particles: the long and the short of it

We study here the role of polyelectrolyte chain length, that is number of repeat units (mers), in the competitive adsorption of a simple model polyanion, poly(acrylic acid), onto 85 nm spherical silica particles capped with a model polycation, poly(allylamine hydrochloride). Performing fluorescence spectroscopy experiments, we measured chain-length dependence of dilute aqueous polyelectrolyte adsorption, at full surface coverage, onto an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte overtop spherical silica nanoparticles (10-3 g L-1). Preferential adsorption was determined by comparing the characteristic fluorescence intensities of the two fluorophore-labeled and narrowly disperse polyacrylic acid samples (NMA-PAA450k and Dan-PAA2k) of 450k- and 2k-molecular weight (6250- and 28-mers), respectively. To compare and validate experimental results, a lattice model was developed for computing the probabilities of the different arrangements of two polymer chain lengths of polyacrylic acid on the surface of the silica nanosphere. We then determined which numbers of long and short adsorbed chains corresponded to the most configurations in our model. Both spectroscopic experiment results and the combinatorial model demonstrated that there is an entropic preference for complete adsorption of the longer 450k polyacrylic acid chain vs. 2k. This study provides insights on entropy driven chain-length dependence of polyelectrolyte adsorption onto spherical nanoparticle surfaces for directing and optimizing their layer-by-layer self-assembly in organic films.

Development of Novel Heparin/Protamine Nanoparticles Useful for Delivery of Exogenous Proteins In Vitro and In Vivo

We previously reported that heparin/protamine particles (LHPPs) produced as nanoparticles through simple mixing of raw materials exhibit sustained protein release and can be retained in cells. In the present study, we modified LHPPs without employing any organic synthetic approach. The resulting LHPPs were re-named as improved LHPPs (i-LHPPs) and have the ability to retain cell-penetrating peptides (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ) based on electrostatic interactions. We examined whether i-LHPPs can introduce exogenous proteins (i.e., lacZ protein encoding bacterial β-galactosidase) into cultured cells in vitro, or into murine hepatocytes in vivo through intravenous injection to anesthetized mice. We found an accumulation of the transferred protein in both in vitro cultured cells and in vivo hepatocytes. To the best of our knowledge, reports of successful in vivo delivery to hepatocytes are rare. The i-LHPP-based protein delivery technique will be useful for in vivo functional genetic modification of mouse hepatocytes using Cas9 protein-mediated genome editing targeting specific genes, leading to the creation of hepatic disease animal models for research that aims to treat liver diseases.

Decomposition of Glucose-Sensitive Layer-by-Layer Films Using Hemin, DNA, and Glucose Oxidase

Glucose-sensitive films were prepared through the layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of hemin-modified poly(ethyleneimine) (H-PEI) solution and DNA solution (containing glucose oxidase (GOx)). H-PEI/DNA + GOx multilayer films were constructed using electrostatic interactions. The (H-PEI/DNA + GOx)5 film was then partially decomposed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The mechanism for the decomposition of the LbL film was considered to involve more reactive oxygen species (ROS) that were formed by the reaction of hemin and H2O2, which then caused nonspecific DNA cleavage. In addition, GOx present in the LbL films reacts with glucose to generate hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, decomposition of the (H-PEI/DNA + GOx)5 film was observed when the thin film was immersed in a glucose solution. (H-PEI/DNA + GOx)5 films exposed to a glucose solution for periods of 24, 48 72, and 96 h indicated that the decomposition of the film increased with the time to 9.97%, 16.3%, 23.1%, and 30.5%, respectively. The rate of LbL film decomposition increased with the glucose concentration. At pH and ionic strengths close to physiological conditions, it was possible to slowly decompose the LbL film at low glucose concentrations of 1-10 mM.

Heparinoid Complex-Based Heparin-Binding Cytokines and Cell Delivery Carriers

Heparinoid is the generic term that is used for heparin, heparan sulfate (HS), and heparin-like molecules of animal or plant origin and synthetic derivatives of sulfated polysaccharides. Various biological activities of heparin/HS are attributed to their specific interaction and regulation with various heparin-binding cytokines, antithrombin (AT), and extracellular matrix (ECM) biomolecules. Specific domains with distinct saccharide sequences in heparin/HS mediate these interactions are mediated and require different highly sulfated saccharide sequences with different combinations of sulfated groups. Multivalent and cluster effects of the specific sulfated sequences in heparinoids are also important factors that control their interactions and biological activities. This review provides an overview of heparinoid-based biomaterials that offer novel means of engineering of various heparin-binding cytokine-delivery systems for biomedical applications and it focuses on our original studies on non-anticoagulant heparin-carrying polystyrene (NAC-HCPS) and polyelectrolyte complex-nano/microparticles (N/MPs), in addition to heparin-coating devices.

Synthetic Lift-off Polymer beneath Layer-by-Layer Films for Surface-Mediated Drug Delivery

A broad range of biomaterials coatings and thin film drug delivery systems require a strategy for the immobilization, retention, and release of coatings from surfaces such as patches, inserts, and microneedles under physiological conditions. Here we report a polymer designed to provide a dynamic surface, one that first functions as a platform for electrostatic thin film assembly and releases the film once in an in vivo environment. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used to synthesize this polymer poly(o-nitrobenzyl-methacrylate-co-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene-glycol)-methacrylate) (PNHP), embedded beneath multilayered polyelectrolyte films. Such a base layer is designed to photochemically pattern negative charge onto a solid substrate, assist deposition of smooth layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte in mildly acidic buffers and rapidly dissolve at physiological pH, thus lifting off the LbL films. To explore potential uses in the biomedical field, a lysozyme (Lys)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) multilayer film was developed on PNHP-coated silicon wafers to construct prototype antimicrobial shunts. Film thickness was shown to grow exponentially with increasing deposition cycles, and effective drug loading and in vitro release was confirmed by the dose-dependent inhibition of Escherichia coli (E. coli) growth. The efficacy of this approach is further demonstrated in LbL-coated microscale needle arrays ultimately of interest for vaccine applications. Using PNHP as a photoresist, LbL films were confined to the tips of the microneedles, which circumvented drug waste at the patch base. Subsequent confocal images confirmed rapid LbL film implantation of PNHP at microneedle penetration sites on mouse skin. Furthermore, in human skin biopsies, we achieved efficient immune activation demonstrated by a rapid uptake of vaccine adjuvant from microneedle-delivered PNHP LbL film in up to 37% of antigen-presenting cells (APC), providing an unprecedented LbL microneedle platform for human vaccination.

Enhanced effect of fibroblast growth factor-2-containing dalteparin/protamine nanoparticles on hair growth

Purpose

Although treatments for alopecia are in high demand, not all treatments are safe and reliable. Dalteparin/protamine nanoparticles (D/P NPs) can effectively carry growth factors (GFs) such as fibroblast GF (FGF)-2. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of FGF-2-containing D/P NPs (FGF-2&D/P NPs) on hair growth.

Patients and methods

In this study, the participants were 12 volunteers with thin hair. One milliliter of FGF-2 (100 ng/mL) and D/P NPs (56 μg/mL) was applied and massaged on the skin of the scalp by the participants twice a day. They were evaluated for 6 months. Participants were photographed using a digital camera for general observation and a hair diagnosis system for measuring hair diameter.

Results

The mean diameter of the hairs was significantly higher following the application of FGF-2&D/P NPs for 6 months. Objective improvements in thin hair were observed in two cases. Nine participants experienced greater bounce and hair resilience.

Conclusion

The transdermal application of FGF-2&D/P NPs to the scalp can be used as a new treatment for alopecia.

Biomedical application of low molecular weight heparin/protamine nano/micro particles as cell- and growth factor-carriers and coating matrix

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)/protamine (P) nano/micro particles (N/MPs) (LMWH/P N/MPs) were applied as carriers for heparin-binding growth factors (GFs) and for adhesive cells including adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). A mixture of LMWH and P yields a dispersion of N/MPs (100 nm–3 μm in diameter). LMWH/P N/MPs can be immobilized onto cell surfaces or extracellular matrix, control the release, activate GFs and protect various GFs. Furthermore, LMWH/P N/MPs can also bind to adhesive cell surfaces, inducing cells and LMWH/P N/MPs-aggregate formation. Those aggregates substantially promoted cellular viability, and induced vascularization and fibrous tissue formation in vivo. The LMWH/P N/MPs, in combination with ADSCs or BMSCs, are effective cell-carriers and are potential promising novel therapeutic agents for inducing vascularization and fibrous tissue formation in ischemic disease by transplantation of the ADSCs and LMWH/P N/MPs-aggregates. LMWH/P N/MPs can also bind to tissue culture plates and adsorb exogenous GFs or GFs from those cells. The LMWH/P N/MPs-coated matrix in the presence of GFs may provide novel biomaterials that can control cellular activity such as growth and differentiation. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cells including ADSCs and BMSCs using plasma-medium gel with LMWH/P N/MPs exhibited efficient cell proliferation. Thus, LMWH/P N/MPs are an adequate carrier both for GFs and for stromal cells such as ADSCs and BMSCs, and are a functional coating matrix for their cultures.

Short versus long chain polyelectrolyte multilayers: a direct comparison of self-assembly and structural properties

Optimization of the layer-by-layer growth of short chain (∼30 repeat units per chain) polyelectrolyte multilayers and comparison with classical long chain systems.

Detection of immunoglobulins in a laser induced fluorescence system utilizing polydimethysiloxane microchips with advanced surface and optical properties

We developed an automated laser induced fluorescence system utilizing microfluidic chips for detection and quantification of immunoglobulins. Microchips were fabricated from polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) using the so-called "prepolymerization technique." The microchip structure helped minimize the effects of PDMS autofluorescence and light scattering. Furthermore, a thin and uniform PDMS layer forming the top of the microchip enabled proper focusing and collection of the excitation beam and the emitted fluorescence, respectively. The developed system was tested for the detection of mouse immunoglobulins. The capturing antibodies were immobilized on internal microchannel walls in the form of a polyelectrolyte. We clearly show that this immobilization technique, if correctly realized, gives results with high reproducibility. After sample incubation and washing, secondary antibodies labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate were introduced into microchannels to build a detectable complex. We show that mouse antibodies can be quantified in a wide concentration range, 0.01-100 μg ml(-1). The lower detection limit was below 0.001 μg ml(-1) (6.7 pM). The developed laser induced fluorescence (LIF) apparatus is relatively cheap and easy to construct. The total cost of the developed LIF detector is lower than a typical price of plate readers. If compared to classical ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) plate systems, the detection of immunoglobulins or other proteins in the developed PDMS microfluidic device brings other important benefits such as reduced time demands (10 min incubation) and low reagent consumption (less than 1 μl). The cost of the developed PDMS chips is comparable with the price of commercial ELISA plates. The main troubleshooting related to the apparatus development is also discussed in order to help potential constructors.

Successive multiple ionic polymer layer coated capillaries in the separation of proteins - recombinant allergen variants as a case study

A successive multiple ionic polymer layer (SMIL) coating consisting of two pairs of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and dextran sulfate (DS) layers was applied for the separation of recombinant products of the major birch pollen allergen Betula verrucosa (Bet v 1a). The combination with volatile ammonium bicarbonate buffer at pH 6.70 offers the possibility for future MS hyphenation. The negative net charge of allergens required DS as terminal SMIL layer. The EOF was accelerated from 3.17x10(-8) m(2) V(-1) s(-1) in uncoated to 4.52x10(-8) m(2) V(-1) s(-1) in SMIL capillaries. Fresh prepared SMIL capillaries showed slight EOF acceleration due to gradual re-organization of SMIL structure until stabilization was achieved. Dry storage of SMIL capillaries prevented fluctuations in EOF and migration times and improved coating durability. However, the gradual reconstitution of entangled SMIL layers affected efficiency, but was cured by a 10 mmol/L NaOH rinsing step. Durability of SMIL capillaries in MS-applicable dimension was confirmed for > 70 runs and in total 42 h of voltage application with average intra-day precision of 0.22 and 0.79% and inter-day-precision of 0.91 and 1.17% for migration times of EOF and Bet v 1a, respectively. Final SMIL coating allowed for the separation of Bet v 1a, a hypoallergenic isoform and carbamylated variants with 150,000-685,000 plates.

Growth mechanism of confined polyelectrolyte multilayers in nanoporous templates

We investigate the mechanism of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) assembly in nanoporous templates with a view to synthesizing nanotubes or nanowires under optimal conditions. For this purpose, we focus on the effect of parameters related to the geometrical constraints (pore diameter), the size of the macromolecules (their molar mass and the ionic strength), and the interaction between the pore walls and the adsorbed chains (modulated by the ionic strength). Our results reveal the existence of two regimes in the mechanism of PEM growth: (i) the first regime is comparable to that observed on flat substrates, including the influence of ionic strength and (ii) the second regime, which is slower in terms of kinetics, results from the interconnection established between polyelectrolyte chains across the pores and leads to the formation of a dense gel. As a consequence, the diffusion of polyelectrolytes in nanopores becomes the controlling factor of PEM growth in this second regime. The dense gel, owing to its peculiar structure, enhances the formation of nanowires or of partially occluded nanotubes in some cases, depending on initial pore dimensions.

Characterization of layer-by-layer self-assembled multilayer films of diblock copolymer micelles

The in situ layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly of low Tg diblock copolymer micelles onto a flat silica substrate is reported. The copolymers used here were a cationic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (50qPDMA-PDEA; 50q refers to a mean degree of quaternization of 50 mol % for the PDMA block) and zwitterionic poly(methacrylic acid)-block-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PMAA-PDEA), which has anionic character at pH 9. Alternate deposition of micelles formed by these two copolymers onto a silica substrate at pH 9 was examined. The in situ LbL buildup of the copolymer micelle films was monitored using zeta potential measurements, optical reflectometry, and a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). For a six layer deposition, complete charge reversal was observed after the addition of each layer. The OR data indicated clearly an increase in adsorbed mass with each additional micelle layer and suggest that some interdiffusion of copolymer chains between layers and/or an increase in the film roughness, and hence in the effective surface area of the micellar multilayers, must take place as the film is built up. QCM-D data indicated that the self-assembled micellar multilayers on a flat silica substrate undergo structural changes over a prolonged period. This is attributed to longer-term interdiffusion of the copolymer chains between the outer two layers after the initial adsorption of each layer is complete. The QCM-D data further suggest that the outer adsorbed layers adopt a progressively more extended conformation, particularly for the higher numbered layers. The morphology of each successive layer was characterized using in situ soft-contact atomic force microscopy, and micelle-like surface aggregates are clearly observed within each layer of the complex film, suggesting the persistence of aggregate structures throughout the multilayer structure.

Surface engineering of titanium thin films with silk fibroin via layer-by-layer technique and its effects on osteoblast growth behavior

The objective of the present study was to surface modify the titanium thin films to improve its biocompatibility. A layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique, based on the electrostatic interactions mediated adsorption of chitosan (Chi) and silk fibroin (SF), was used leading to the formation of multilayers on the titanium thin film surfaces. The surface chemistry and wettability of LBL films were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy, respectively. XPS and contact angle measurement results indicated that a full SF/Chi pair film was formed after the deposition layers of PEI/(SF/Chi)(2) on the titanium film surfaces. The topographies of multilayered films were directly related to the corresponding outmost layer components. The build-up of such SF/Chi pair films on titanium films may in turn affect the biocompatibility of the modified titanium films. Therefore, an in vitro investigation was performed to confirm this hypothesis. Cell proliferation, cell viability, DNA synthesis as well as differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase) of osteoblasts on LBL-modified titanium films and control samples were investigated, respectively. Osteoblasts cultured on modified titanium films was found to be higher proliferation tendency than that on control (p < 0.05). Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase as well as DNA synthesis measurement indicated that osteoblasts on LBL-modified films were greater (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) than the control, respectively. These results suggest that surface engineering of titanium was successfully achieved via LBL deposition of Chi/SF pairs, and enhanced its cell biocompatibility. The approach presented in the study may be exploited as an efficient alternative for surface engineering of titanium-based implants.

Multilayered films fabricated from an oligoarginine-conjugated protein promote efficient surface-mediated protein transduction

The conjugation of cationic protein transduction domains to proteins results in an increase in the extent to which proteins are internalized by cells. This investigation sought to determine whether the conjugation of a protein transduction domain to a functional protein could be used to facilitate the incorporation of the protein into multilayered polyelectrolyte films and, subsequently, whether these films could be used to promote surface-mediated protein transduction. We demonstrate that it is possible to fabricate multilayered assemblies 80 nm thick using sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) conjugated to the cationic protein transduction domain nonaarginine (R(9)) using an entirely aqueous layer-by-layer process. We demonstrate further that the conjugation of R(9) to RNase A permits the assembly of multilayered films under conditions that do not allow for the incorporation of the unmodified protein. This result suggests that R(9) functions as a cationic anchor and serves to increase the strength of electrostatic interactions with SPS and facilitate layer-by-layer assembly. We also demonstrate that RNase A-R(9)/SPS films dissolve rapidly in physiologically relevant media and that macroscopic objects coated with these materials can be used to mediate high levels of protein transduction in mammalian cells. These results suggest the basis of general methods that could contribute to the design of materials that permit spatial and temporal control over the delivery of therapeutic proteins to cells and tissues.

Polysaccharide surface engineering of poly(D, L-lactic acid) via electrostatic self-assembly technique and its effects on osteoblast growth behaviours

The objective of this study was to surface modify the poly (D, L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films and assess the effects of the modified surfaces on the functions of osteoblasts cultured in vitro. A layer-by-layer (LBL) self assembly technique, was used leading to the formation of multilayers on the PDLLA film surfaces. Chitosan (Chi) and poly (styrene sulfonate, sodium salt) (PSS) were utilized as polycation and polyanion in this study, respectively. The layer structure was investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurement, respectively. XPS analysis displayed the presence of chitosan on PDLLA surface. A full coverage of coating with PSS/Chi layers was achieved on the PDLLA surface only after the deposition layers of PEI/(PSS/Chi)2. These results showed that PDLLA films could be modified with PSS/Chi pairs which may affect the biocompatibility of the modified PDLLA films. To confirm this hypothesis, cell proliferation, cell viability as well as alkaline phosphtase activity of osteoblasts on layer-by-layer modified PDLLA films as well as control samples were investigated in vitro. The proliferation of osteoblasts on modified PDLLA films was found to be greater than that on control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) after 1, 4 and 7 days culture, respectively. Cell viability measurement showed that the PSS/Chi modified PDLLA films have higher cell viability (p < 0.01) than control. Osteoblast differentiation function (ALP) on LBL-modified PDLLA film was found significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of virgin PDLLA films. These data suggests that PSS/Chi pair was successfully employed to surface modify PDLLA film via a layer-by-layer technique, and enhanced its cell biocompatibility.

In vitro hemocompatibility of albumin-heparin multilayer coatings on polyethersulfone prepared by the layer-by-layer technique

Polyethersulfone foils (PES)--a unique material for blood purification membranes--were coated with a multilayer assembly of heparin (unfractionated or high anticoagulant activity fraction heparin) and albumin (albumin-heparin coatings), or with a multilayer of albumin (albumin coating), using the layer-by-layer technique. The coatings combine advantages of albumin (reduction of nonspecific interactions) and heparin (specific interactions with blood coagulation proteins). The differences between the two heparins, while significant for their biological activity, had only a minor effect on the multilayer assembly with albumin monitored in situ by reflection infrared spectroscopy (FTIR MIRS). Uncoated as well as modified PES surfaces were evaluated using an in vitro assay with freshly drawn, slightly heparinized (1.5 IU heparin/mL) human whole blood. The blood was circulated with a roller pump over the sample surfaces in shear flow across rectangular slit channels ( app. 6 mL/min and 120 s(-1)) for 1.5 h at 37 degrees C. All coatings effectively reduced platelet adhesion and activation according to the PF4 release. The activation of coagulation evaluated as TAT generation was significantly lowered for the coating composed of albumin and high activity heparin. A further beneficial effect of the heparin containing coatings was reduced complement activation as determined by different complement fragments.

Specific volume and compressibility of human serum albumin–polyanion complexes

The ultrasound velocimetry, densitometry, and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to study the formation of the complexes between human serum albumin (HSA) and polyanions heparin (HEP) and/or dextran sulfate (DS). The values of the ultrasound velocity and specific volume allowed us to determine the specific adiabatic compressibility, phi(K)/beta(0), which reflects the degree of volume compressibility of the complexes. We showed that in the presence of HEP and DS the adiabatic compressibility of HSA decreases with increasing concentration of polyanions. HEP more strongly interacts with HSA than DS. pH of electrolyte in the range 4.7-8.5 weakly affects the adiabatic compressibility. Changes of compressibility of HSA can be caused by increase of the hydration due to the formation of the HSA-polyanion complexes and due to partial unfolding of HSA. The HSA-polyanion interaction resulted in decrease of phase transition temperature of the protein. This evidences about protein destabilization in the presence of polyanions.

Multi-analyte surface plasmon resonance biosensing

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are affinity sensing devices exploiting a special mode of electromagnetic field-surface plasmon-polariton-to detect the binding of analyte molecules from a liquid sample to biomolecular recognition elements immobilized on the surface of the sensor. In this paper, we review advances of SPR biosensor technology towards detection systems for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes (multi-analyte detection). In addition, we report application of a recently developed multichannel SPR sensor based on spectroscopy of surface plasmons and wavelength division multiplexing of sensing channels to multi-analyte detection.

Surface immobilized protein multilayers for cell seeding

Multilayer assemblies containing various cell-adhesive proteins such as gelatin, collagen IV, and laminin or polycations polylysine and poly(ethyleneimine) were immobilized on the polystyrene surface using the layer-by-layer technique based on hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged macromolecules. The formation and stability of the assemblies and the adsorption of proteins from a serum containing cell-cultivation media onto their surfaces were observed in real time by Fourier transform infrared multiple internal reflection spectroscopy. The adhesion and growth of mouse embryonic stem cells line D3 were tested in polystyrene culture dishes coated with the assemblies. The cells were seeded in complete serum-containing media or in serum-free media and in the presence (non-differentiated) and/or absence (differentiated) of leukemia inhibitory factor. Proteins from serum-containing cell-cultivation media adsorbed rapidly onto positively charged surfaces. The cells grew best on surfaces coated with gelatin and collagen IV assemblies. There were no significant differences in the growth of the non-differentiated and differentiated cells in complete serum-containing media. When seeded in serum-free media, non-differentiated cells grew better than the differentiated ones. Particularly, polycation surfaces treated with glutaraldehyde promoted the growth of the non-differentiated cells and hindered the growth of the differentiated cells. The layer-by-layer deposition appears to be a practicable technique by which scaffolds for tissue engineering can be coated with biomolecular assemblies tailored to specific cells and applications.