Polyelectrolyte multilayer films allow seeded human progenitor-derived endothelial cells to remain functional under shear stress in vitro.

There is considerable interest in making multilayer films for various applications, among which are cell contacting biomaterials, allowing new opportunities to prepare functionalized biomaterials. In this study we have explored the capability of poly(sodium-4-styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PMFs) as functional coatings for human progenitor-derived endothelial cells (PDECs), since the latter are a potential source of endothelial-type cells to be used in bioartificial vascular substitutes. We performed investigations with PDECs derived from peripheral blood and characterized as endothelial cells.

Functionalization of biomaterials and cell to cell communication.

In the field of osseous substitution, the possibilities being offered to the surgeons prove sometimes difficult to apply in particular in the case of great losses of osseous substance. For these reasons, it is necessary to develop innovative techniques to satisfy the request increasing for substitutes and to see appearing on the market solutions combining availability, perenniality and biosecurity of the implants. The implantation of stem cells in a biomaterial opens a way of development of therapeutic substitute.