Interactions of HepG2 Cells on Biomaterials with Various Surface Properties

The aim of this study was to elevate the HepG2 cells on biomaterials with different surface properties. The biomaterials used in this study included polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL), and tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Cell morphology was observed by photomicroscope and scanning electric microscopy. Cell growth and differentiated characteristic function were separately assayed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Result indicated that HepG2 on hydrophilic surface, such as PVA would tend to aggregate and form non-attached multicellular clump. Those cell aggregations secret more albumin into the medium. On the other hand, cells adhere and spread well on the hydrophobic surface, such as EVAL and TCPS. These cells on EVAL surface secret less albumin into the medium. When cell were embedded between the PVA substrates, cell maintain the round cell shape. But when cell were embedded between the EVAL substrates, cell exhibit extended, cubic-polygonal and stellate structure which is similar to the cells cultured on mono-layer EVAL. This two-layers culturing system is not only a practicable method to handle the cell shape and function, but a good culturing system to protect cell from external force.