Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 on Poly(4-styrenesulfonic-co-maleic acid) sodium salt–coated Films

Objectives: Surface characteristics of biomaterials, such as topography or surface chemistry (composition) are key factors in determining cell response at the cell-materials interface. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEMs) created via Layer-by-Layer (LbL) deposition are currently used to modify the surface properties of materials. In this study we used Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid) sodium salt (PSS-co-MA) as anionic polyelectrolyte,which included strong anionic group (sulfonate group) and weak anionic group (carboxylic group), along with PEMs to develop a novel surface modification (PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs) for supporting osteoblastic functions.

Methods: Polyelectrolyte Multilayer films were constructed from 9 layers of Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and Poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) with stop layer of PSS-co-MA {(PDADMAC/PSS)9 + PSS-co-MA} onto glass coverslips. Pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on glass coverslips and PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs. Osteoblastic functions, in term of attachment, proliferation, morphology, differentiation and mineralization were assessed.

Results: The results indicated no difference in the attachment, proliferation and spreading of MC3T3-E1 when cultured on either PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs or glass coverslips at 4h and 16 h, observed by MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy. The expression of osteocalcin (OC) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA were up-regulated in cell cultured on PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs compared to the one on glass coverslip after 3 days in culture. Moreover, cells cultured on PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs developed the calcium deposition faster than the control as assessed by Alizarin red staining at day 15.

Conclusion: PSS-co-MA-coated PEMs could enhance osteoblast differentiation. The use of PSS-co-MA coated PEMs could be an effective protocol in promoting mineralization and improving osseointegration for dental implants.

This work was supported by The 100th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Fund (Rachadaphisek Somphot Endowment, Chulalongkorn University).