Time-dependent mussel-inspired functionalization of poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) substrates for tunable cell behaviors

Abstract

Surface properties of biomaterials, such as hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, chemical group distribution, and topography play important roles in regulation of many cellular behaviors. In this study, we present a bio-inspired coating of synthetic biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL) films by using polydopamine for tunable cell behaviors such as adhesion and proliferation. Polydopamine coating decreased the water contact angles of the PLCL film from 75° to 40°, while the amount of coated polydopamine increased from 0.6 μg/cm(2) to 177.9 μg/cm(2). During the process, dopamine could be directly polymerized on the surface of the PLCL film to form a thin layer or nanosized particles of self-aggregates, which resulted in increase of overall roughness in a time-dependent manner. Characterization of surface atomic composition revealed an increase in signals from nitrogen and the C-N bond, both suggesting homogeneous polydopamine coating with prolonged coating time. The mechanical properties were similar following reaction with polydopamine for a time shorter than 30 min, while alterations in elongation and Young's modulus were observed when the coating time exceeded 240 min. Cell adhesion and proliferation on the polydopamine-coated films were significantly greater than those on the non-coated films. Interestingly, these cell behaviors were significantly improved even under the minimal coating time (5 min). In summary, the bio-inspired coating is of use to generate modular surface of biomaterial based on synthetic poly(α-hydroxy ester)s for tunable cell behaviors with optimization of coating time within the range in which their mechanical properties are not compromised.