Cell Growth on Modified Polystryrene Surface/ Adhesion and Detachment Properties

Abstract

The incorporation of groups into polymer to give some functionality on their surface without losing properties such as mechanical or molding is widely studied. ^{1, 2} This is specially important in the biomaterials where interactions among the polymer surface and cells are requested.^{3, 4} Polymers such as poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), have been grafted and the resultant material present hydrophylic behavior at low temperatures and hydrophobic properties at temperatures above 32°C. Several works have been performed to show that this effect may be used in biotechnology allowing the detachment of cells without introduction of chemicals like EDTA or proteolytic enzymes that could, sometimes, damage the cells.^{5, 6}