Comparison of proliferation and growth of human keratinocytes on plasma copolymers of acrylic acid/1,7-octadiene and self-assembled monolayers.

Human keratinocytes were cultured on plasma copolymers (PCPs), self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and tissue culture poly(styrene) (TCPS). Plasma copolymerization was used to deposit films with controlled concentrations of carboxylic acid functional groups (<5%). Human keratinocytes were cultured onto these PCP surfaces, TCPS, and collagen I. A hydrocarbon plasma polymer surface was used as the negative control. Keratinocyte attachment was measured at 24 h and cell proliferation and growth at 3 and 7 days using optical microscopy and DNA concentrations. The PCP surfaces were compared with two SAM systems comprising pure acid and pure hydrocarbon functionalities, and pure gold was used as a control surface. PCP surfaces containing carboxylic acid functionalities promoted keratinocyte attachment. The level of attachment on these surfaces was comparable to that seen on collagen I, a preferred substratum for the culturing of keratinocytes. After several days in culture the cells were well attached and proliferative, forming confluent sheets of keratinocytes. This result was confirmed by DNA assays that suggested the acid PCP surfaces were performing as well as collagen I. Keratinocytes attached well to gold and acid-terminated SAMs but attached poorly to methyl-terminated SAMs. The acid functionality also promoted proliferation and growth of keratinocytes after several days in culture. DNA assays revealed that keratinocyte growth on the acid surface was higher than on collagen I.