tudy of cell–material interaction by estimating NF-κB activation in HeLa S3 cells adhered onto hydrophilic substrates

In order to interpret how cells recognize biomaterials, nucleic factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in the attached HeLa S3 cells on various substrates was evaluated. As substrates, materials of hydrophilic nature (cellulose, poly(acrylamide)-grafted poly(ethylene) (PAAm-g-PE), and lipids films) were used. The contemporary assay method for NF-κB was modified to fit our system. As a result, NF-κB activation varied depending on the substrates. The NF-κB outcome was induced significantly in the HeLa S3 cells that had adhered onto the lipid films in a short time. On the other hand, high levels of NF-κB induction were observed in the HeLa cells adhered to the celluose and PAAm-g-PE after a 24 h incubation period. The induction of NF-κB by cell–material interaction is discussed from the point of view of biocompatibility.