Cell adhesion and proliferation onto chitosan based membranes treated by plasma surface modification

Surface properties play a vital role in the functioning of a
biomaterial. Cellular adherence and growth onto biomaterials can be enhanced
in biomaterial modifications of their surface. In this work, the cell behavior on
chitosan membranes modified by argon and nitrogen-plasma treatments was
investigated. Characterization of the membranes was performed using atomic
force microscopy, contact angle measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Cytotoxicity assessment and direct contact assay were carried out for
untreated and treated chitosan membranes using L929 fibroblast-like cells. Cell
morphology and cell viability were assessed to evaluate the cell attachment and
proliferation. Changes in terms of roughness, surface chemistry, and hydrophilicity/
hydrophobic balance of chitosan-modified membranes were observed.
Regarding cell studies, the findings revealed that the extracts of all membranes do
not induce cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the in vitro assays evidenced an
improvement of the L929 adhesion and attachment when compared to untreated
chitosan membranes.