Macrophage Serum‐Based Adhesion to Plasma‐Processed Surface Chemistry is Distinct from That Exhibited by Fibroblasts

Abstract

Summary: Plasma‐polymerized films deposited from AlAm, HxAm, NVP, NVFA, AA and FC were compared to TCPS and PS surfaces in supporting cellular attachment, viability, and proliferation in serum‐based culture in vitro for extended periods of time (>7 d). Surface patterns were created using multi‐step depositions with physical masks. Cell adhesion in the presence of serum was compared for (monocyte‐) macrophage and fibroblast cell lines. Cellular response was tracked over time, reporting adhesive behavior, proliferative rates, and morphological changes as a function of surface chemistry. Micropatterned surfaces containing different surface chemistries and functional groups (e.g. NH₂, COOH, CF₃) produced differential cell adhesive patterns for NIH 3T3 fibroblasts compared to J774A.1, RAW 264.7 or IC‐21 (monocyte‐) macrophage cell types. Significantly, macrophage adhesion is substantial on surfaces where fibroblasts do not adhere under identical culture conditions.