Dresden 2009 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help

BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 17: Poster II

BP 17.9: Poster

Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 17:15–19:45, P3

Quantification of cell adhesion strength on self assembled monolayers with tuneable surface properties — •Christof Christophis, Michael Grunze, and Axel Rosenhahn — Angewandte Physikalische Chemie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg

Besides selective receptor interactions, physico-chemical surface properties play an important role in adhesion, proliferation, survival and even differentiation of mammalian cells. Self assembled monolayers are a versatile tool to tune surface properties in a well defined manner and it has been found that cell behavior is directed even by such thin coatings. To obtain quantitative data for cell adhesion on self assembled monolayers we use time lapse microscopy in combination with microfluidically cultivated cells. Cell adhesion kinetics is determined by image analysis while cell adhesion strength is quantified by application of a well defined liquid flow. The microfluidic system is fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and integrated in a reusable device where any surface of interest can be used. This experimental design in combination with a well developed preparation protocol allows adhesion strength characterization e.g. for fibroblast cells with high reproducibility and small error bars.We show results on the adhesion of rat embryonic fibroblasts to ethylene glycol terminated self assembled monolayers in dependence of ethylene glycol chain length and end group termination. Interfacial properties including wetting and hydration are thus manipulated in a controlled way and cell response is quantified.