title: The effect of RGD fluorosurfactant polymer modification of ePTFE on endothelial cell adhesion, growth, and function.
abstract: We have synthesized and characterized a novel peptide fluorosurfactant polymer (PFSP) modification that facilitates the adhesion and growth of endothelial cells on expanded polytetrafluoroetheylene (ePTFE) vascular graft material. This PFSP consists of a poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) backbone with integrin binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides and perfluorocarbon pendant branches for adsorption and stable adhesion to underlying ePTFE. Aqueous PFSP solution was used to modify the surface of fluorocarbon substrates. Following subconfluent seeding, endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and growth on PFSP was assessed by determining cell population at different time points. Spectroscopic results indicated successful synthesis of PFSP. PFSP modification of ePTFE reduced the receding water contact angle measurement from 120 degrees to 6 degrees , indicating successful surface modification. Quantification of cell population demonstrated reduced EC attachment efficiency but increased growth rate on RGD PFSP compared with fibronectin (FN). Actin staining revealed a well-developed cytoskeleton for ECs on RGD PFSP indicative of stable adhesion. Uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and positive staining for VE-Cadherin confirm EC phenotype for adherent cells. Production of prostacyclin, a potent antiplatelet agent, was equivalent between ECs on FN and RGD PFSP surfaces. Our results indicate successful synthesis and surface modification with PFSP; this is a simple, quantitative, and effective approach to modifying ePTFE to encourage endothelial cell attachment, growth, and function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Wickenden 309, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
authors.forename: Coby C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Faina
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kligman
authors.forename: Kandice
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kottke-Marchant
authors.forename: Roger E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Marchant
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009842:Oligopeptides; D011108:Polymers; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C047981:arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene