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Chitosan/DNA Polyelectrolyte Complex Membranes for Controlling Cell Spreading and Aggregation
Abstract
Three kinds of polyelectrolyte complex membranes were prepared by mixing chitosan and DNA at the ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3. The effects of the membranes on cell adhesion, spreading, and viability were investigated. The membrane with the high ratio of chitosan had a less hydrophilic surface. The surface of the polyelectrolyte complex membranes became rough as the DNA content increased. The ratio of DNA to chitosan showed some effect on cell adhesion, spreading, and viability. Human mesenchymal stem cells adhered and spread on membranes prepared at chitosan/DNA ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, while they did not on membranes prepared at a chitosan/DNA ratio of 1:3. Cells aggregated on the membrane prepared at a chitosan/DNA ratio of 1:3. Cell viability was also higher on membranes prepared at chitosan/ DNA ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 than that on the membrane prepared at a chitosan/DNA ratio of 1:3. The membrane with a high content of chitosan facilitated cell adhesion and spreading, while a high content of DNA suppressed cell adhesion and spreading.