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The role of crystallinity on differential attachment/proliferation of osteoblasts and fibroblasts on poly (caprolactone-co-glycolide) polymeric surfaces

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Abstract

The objective of the present study is to systematically evaluate the role of polymer crystallinity on fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion and proliferation using a series of poly(caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PCL/PGA) polymers. PCL/PGA polymers were selected since they reflect both highly crystalline and amorphous materials. PCL/PGA polymeric materials were fabricated by compression molding into thin films. Five compositions, from PCL or PGA to intermediate copolymeric compositions of PCL/PGA in ratios of 25:75, 35:65 and 45:55, were studied. Pure PCL and PGA represented the crystalline materials while the copolymers were amorphous. The polymers/copolymers were characterized using DSC to assess crystallinity, contact angle measurement for hydrophobicity, and AFM for nanotopography. The PCL/PGA films demonstrated similar hydrophobicity and nanotopography whereas they differed significantly in crystallinity. Cell adhesion to and proliferation on PCL/PGA films and proliferation studies were performed using osteoblasts and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. It was observed that highly crystalline and rigid PCL and PGA surfaces were significantly more efficient in supporting fibroblast growth, whereas amorphous/flexible PCL/PGA 35:65 was significantly more efficient in supporting growth of osteoblasts. This study demonstrated that while chemical composition, hydrophobicity and surface roughness of PCL/PGA polymers were held constant, crystallinity and rigidity of PCL/PGA played major roles in determining cell responses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Technology and Regenerative Medicine (ATRM), LLC, Somerville, NJ, 08876, USA

    Helen Cui

  2. Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA

    Helen Cui & Patrick J. Sinko

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  1. Helen Cui
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  2. Patrick J. Sinko
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Correspondence to Helen Cui.

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Cui, H., Sinko, P.J. The role of crystallinity on differential attachment/proliferation of osteoblasts and fibroblasts on poly (caprolactone-co-glycolide) polymeric surfaces. Front. Mater. Sci. 6, 47–59 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11706-012-0154-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11706-012-0154-8

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