Study of adhesion of endothelial-like cells EA.hy926 to various substrates

Abstract

Cell-substrate adhesion is a key factor affecting the cell functionality and fate. Therefore, for adequate biomodeling of cellular structures in vitro, it is necessary to carefully select the materials used. In this study, we evaluated adhesion of endothelial-like cells EA.hy926 to polymeric materials and glass, which are used in microfluidics to model blood vessels. It was shown that different types of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) provided low cell adhesion compared to glass and specially prepared polystyrene (PS). The treatment with oxygen plasma did not exert a significant effect on adhesion. Covering with collagen I, on the contrary, significantly improved adhesion. The protein gel quite well covered both the hydrophilic surface of the glass and the hydrophobic surface of the polymer. The features of individual cells spreading on the substrate surface were also studied using scanning probe microscopy.