title: How to image cell adhesion on soft polymers?
abstract: Here, we present a method to investigate cell adhesion on soft, non-conducting polymers that are implant candidate materials. Neuronal cells were grown on two elastomers (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Ecoflex®) and prepared for electron microscopy. The samples were treated with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and uranylacetate (UrAc). Best results can be achieved when the polymers were coated with a thin iridium layer before the cell culture. This was done to emphasize the usage of soft polymers as supports for implant electrodes. A good contrast and the adhesion of the cells on soft polymers could be visualized.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8/PGI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany.
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seyock
authors.affiliation: Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8/PGI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Maybeck
authors.affiliation: Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8/PGI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany. Electronic address: a.offenhauesser@fz-juelich.de.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Offenhäusser
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D020007:Implants, Experimental / Q000592:standards; D007495:Iridium / Q000737:chemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C472388:ecoflex; C005460:uranyl acetate; D007495:Iridium; C013830:baysilon; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide
keywords: Cell interface; Elastomers; Focused ion beam; PDMS