Plasma functionalization of PCL nanofibers changes protein interactions with cells resulting in increased cell viability

ABSTRACT: The surface properties of electrospun scaffolds can greatly influence protein adsorption and thus strongly dictate cell-material interactions. In this study, we aim to investigate possible correlations between the surface properties of argon, nitrogen and ammonia/helium plasma-functionalized polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and their cellular interactions by examining the protein corona patterns of the plasma-treated nanofibers as well as the cell membrane proteins involved in cell proliferation. As a result of the performed plasma treatments, PCL nanofiber morphology was preserved while wettability was improved profoundly after all treatments because of the incorporation of polar surface groups. Depending on the discharge gas, different types of groups are incorporated which influenced the resultant cell-material interactions. Argon plasma-functionalized PCL nanofibers, only enriched by oxygen-containing functional groups, were found to show the best cell-material interactions, followed by N2 and He/NH3 plasma-treated samples. SDS-PAGE and LC-MS clearly indicated an increased protein retention compared to non-treated PCL NFs. The most differential proteins surface a distinct molecular machinery mediating the increased proliferation and viability on plasma treated NF. Finally, differential protein analysis between the different plasma’s gives a first hint into the molecular underpinning of the superior performance of Argon NF.

INSTRUMENT(S): Synapt MS

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Cell Culture, Fibroblast

SUBMITTER: Maarten Dhaenens  

LAB HEAD: Dieter Deforce

PROVIDER: PXD010910 | Pride | 2018-08-29

REPOSITORIES: Pride