A comparison of the adhesion of mammalian cells and Staphylococcus epidermidis on fibronectin-modified polymer surfaces

The modification of polymer surfaces to mimic the extracellular matrix, and therefore, stimulate cell growth via receptor-mediated interactions, is on e approach used to promote the integration of tissue-engineering scaffolds and biomaterials into the body. However, by optimizing surfaces for tissue integration it is likely that bacterial adhesion may also be affected, resu lting in a greater risk of biomaterial-related infection. This could be det rimental to both the implant and the patient because biomaterial related in fections are particularly resistant to host defenses and antibiotics. In th is study, we analyzed the adhesion of a Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolate and 3T3 rat fibroblasts to tissue culture plastic coated with vary ing concentrations of fibronectin (Fn). Bacterial adhesion was always lower than tissue culture plastic and appeared to decrease with increasing Fn co ncentrations. Mammalian cell adhesion to Fn Exceeded adhesion to tissue cul ture plastic but did not differ significantly over the range of protein con centrations or between 1 and 4 h of incubation. In most casts, the total su rface coverage did not vary with time or Fn concentration, indicating that maximal cell adhesion and spreading occurred rapidly and at low protein con centrations. This study suggests that, by controlling the density of protei ns or ligands on a surface, we can potentially optimize mammalian cell adhe sion without stimulating bacterial adhesion, hence reducing the likelihood of infection. (C) 2001 John Wiley Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 56: 222-227 , 2001.