Integrin-mediated Interactions Between Cells and Biomimetic Materials

Based on the idea of self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold, it was the goal of this thesis to develop a versatile model system for an efficient and straightforward characterization of cell - biomaterial interactions on PEG-rich surfaces. The necessary compounds for this model system should allow for mimicking the surface of polymeric poly(ethylene glycol)-rich biomaterials used for the design of cell carriers. By evaluating the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion characteristics of mammalian cells on these artificial surfaces, conclusions can be drawn, on how polymers should be engineered to achieve an optimal adhesion, growth or proliferation of cells. In particular, the consequences of an attachment of peptidic cell adhesion peptides and growth factors had to be elucidated.