Fibroblast responses toward colloidal crystal assembles and plasma polymer coating

Colloidal assemblies represent a versatile and cost efficient way to generate surface patterns at micron and sub-micron length scales. Chemical modification of the assemblies can be utilized to study the influence of different surface chemistries on cellular responses with high lateral resolution. In this study, single and binary colloidal assemblies were made using different sizes of particles. An allylamine plasma polymer (ALApp) layer was deposited on the top of the assemblies to provide a uniform surface chemistry. Cellular responses toward unmodified and ALApp-coated assemblies was evaluated using L929 fibroblasts. Cells showed smaller spreading area on both single and binary assemblies compared to flat control. Cell size was dependent on the particle size or combination. This effect can be compensated by different degrees after the ALApp coating. These results will find application in the development of new cell culture coatings through the combined use of colloidal assembles and plasma polymer coatings.