Polydopamine surface coating on PDMS for long-term cell culture

• Main Author: Koh, Yi Ting
• Other Authors: Kang Yuejun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Bioengineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/64849
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Recently, Poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have been widely used in cell studies due to its many advantages such as transparency, flexibility, low cost and ease of fabrication. However, one of its major drawbacks is its high hydrophobicity, which makes it difficult for cells to adhere. This will affect later cascade of cell proliferation and differentiation. It is, therefore, essential to modify PDMS surface to support stable and long-term cell culture. In this study, Poly(dopamine) (PD) was investigated as a surface modification technique because it is a simple, one-step process. This bio- inspired PD surface coating was also known to be able to reduce the hydrophobicity of surfaces. It is neither non-toxic nor health hazardous, and can adsorb strongly onto a large range of substrates. PD was coated on a flat PDMS surface. A concentration of 0.010%wt and duration between 1 to 24 hours met our objective of stable and long- term culture of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs). Cells were also stable and confluent even when they were cultured in the presence of Collagen Type 1, a protein abundant in our body. Surface property was analyzed to look at its hydrophobicity and the chemical groups present. These properties have accounted for certain cell behaviors observed. In addition, it was found that BMSCs displayed the ability to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic tissues on PD coated surfaces as well as PD coated microfluidic chips. These findings will aid in future research and extended applications that require a quick and effective surface treatment on PDMS substrates.