title: Improved functions of human hepatocytes on NH3 plasma-grafted PEEK-WC-PU membranes.
abstract: PEEK-WC-PU membranes were modified with an NH(3) glow discharge process to graft N-containing functional groups at their surface in order to improve the maintenance of human hepatocytes. Native and modified membrane surfaces were characterized with XPS, ToF-SIMS and WCA measurements. We have investigated morphological behaviour and specific functions of primary human hepatocytes on native and modified PEEK-WC-PU membranes in a small-scale gas-permeable bioreactor. N-containing groups grafted at the surface of the membranes improved the initial steps of adhesion and the maintenance of phenotype and differentiated functions of cells. Confocal microscopy of cell morphology evidenced human hepatocytes exhibiting a polygonal shape and organizing a 3D structure. The presence of CK19 positive cells, a marker of biliary duct epithelium, was also found on native and modified membranes. Liver specific functions, investigated in terms of urea production, albumin synthesis and diazepam biotransformation, were maintained at high levels up to 19 days, particularly on surface-modified membranes.
authors.affiliation: Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, c/o University of Calabria, via P. Bucci cubo 17/C, I-87030 Rende (CS), Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salerno
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piscioneri
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laera
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Favia
authors.forename: Augustinus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bader
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Drioli
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Bartolo
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000641:Ammonia / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001577:Benzophenones; D003975:Diazepam / Q000378:metabolism; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007659:Ketones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014508:Urea / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D001577:Benzophenones; D007659:Ketones; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes; C063834:polyetheretherketone; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D000641:Ammonia; D014508:Urea; D003975:Diazepam