High-Quality Three-Dimensionally Cultured Cells Using Interfaces of Diblock Copolymers Containing Different Ratios of Zwitterionic -Oxides.

To control three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroid formation, it is well-known the surface physicochemical and mechanical properties of cell culture materials are important; however, the formation and function of 3D cells are still unclear. This study demonstrated the precise control of the formation of 3D cells and 3D cell functions using diblock copolymers containing different ratios of a zwitterionic trimethylamine -oxide group. The diblock copolymers were composed of poly(-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) as the hydrophobic unit for surface coating on a cell culture dish and stabilization in water, and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) as the precursor of -oxide.

Cell Spheroid Formation on the Surface of Multi-Block Copolymers Composed of Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and Polyethylene Glycol.

3D structured cells have great drug screening potential because they mimic in vivo tissues better than 2D cultured cells. In this study, multi-block copolymers composed of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are developed as a new kind of biocompatible polymers. PEG imparts non-cell adhesion while PMEA acts as an anchoring segment to prepare the polymer coating surface.