Regensburg 2025 – scientific programme
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 12: Biomaterials, Biopolymers and Bioinspired Functional Materials I (joint session CPP/BP)
CPP 12.4: Talk
Monday, March 17, 2025, 17:45–18:00, H46
Microgels for Enhanced Adsorption of Endothelial Cells on Artificial Networks — •Souraj Mandal1, Anna Fritschen2, Alina Filatova3, and Regine von Klitzing1 — 1Soft Matter at Interfaces, Department of Physics, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt 64289, Germany — 2BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany — 3Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Three-dimensional cellular models hold great promise for drug testing, but their success relies on maintaining a controlled supply of oxygen and nutrients. Artificial vascular networks aim to mimic blood vessel functions, yet ensuring robust endothelial cell (EC) attachment remains a significant challenge. In this study, we designed a mediator between artificial network surfaces and ECs using Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels (MGs) that remain mechanically stable in nutrient solutions. Charged MGs were synthesized and tested for adhesion on plasma-treated model surfaces. The microgel-coated substrates were exposed to cell static culture media and under defined flow. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed stable adhesion of MG particles before and after exposure. Initial experiments explored EC attachment on positively and negatively charged MG surfaces, followed by mechanical property characterization. The MG coatings were biofunctionalized with integrin-recognized ligands to enhance EC adhesion and proliferation further.
Keywords: Microgels; Functional Surface; Surface Chemistry; Endothelial Cells; Vascular Networks