Enhancing the cell affinity of macroporous poly(L-lactide) cell scaffold by a convenient surface modification method

In this study, the macroporous poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) cell scaffold was modified for enhancing its cell affinity by an improved surface-treating medium, a mixture of aqueous 0.25 M NaOH/ethanol. Ethanol was applied as a co-treating medium to wet the polylactone and assist the hydroxide nucleophilic attack on the ester bond. Low concentration of NaOH could be applied, severe bulk degradation could be avoided and the residual alkali was easy to remove. Treating time could also be shortened. After treatment under optimal conditions, the surface hydrophilicity and surface energy of PLLA were improved significantly and the surface roughness was also changed. Modification of the spherulite structure on PLLA surface was observed with the treating time using a computer-assisted image analysis system (CAIAS). The results of gel permeation chromatography measurements indicated that only the outer layer of the PLLA was modified and the bulk properties were not altered. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts culture results indicated that the improved surface-treating medium was effective and convenient for enhancing the cell affinity of PLLA cell scaffold. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.