The role of protein adsorption on chondrocyte adhesion to a heterocyclic methacrylate polymer system

Chondrocyte adhesion to a polymer system consisting of poly(ethyl methacryl ate) and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (PEMA/ THFMA) has been investigate d in vitro. The adhesive glycoproteins, fibronectin and vitronectin were st udied for their role in promoting cell attachment. Fibronectin was the best substrate for chondrocyte attachment, if it was pre-adsorbed and did not h ave to compete with other proteins for attachment sites. Chondrocytes beg-L in to spread on fibronectin coated glass although they remained rounded on the fibronectin coated PEMA/THFMA system. Vitronectin was better at competi ng with the other proteins III serum and was the main adhesive protein for chondrocyte attachment to TCP and the PEMA/THFMA system in normal serum med ium. Serum contains non-adhesive proteins that compete for binding sites an d hence reduce cell attachment. The alpha (5)beta (1), and alpha (v)beta (3 )/beta (5) integrins were detected on the chondrocytes although there may b e a difference in expression between different material surfaces. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.