The role of protein adsorption on chondrocyte adhesion to a heterocyclic methacrylate polymer system

Chondrocyte adhesion to a polymer system consisting of poly(ethyl methacrylate) and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (PEMA/THFMA) has been investigated in vitro. The adhesive glycoproteins, fibronectin and vitronectin were studied for their role in promoting cell attachment. Fibronectin was the best substrate for chondrocyte attachment, if it was pre-adsorbed and did not have to compete with other proteins for attachment sites. Chondrocytes began to spread on fibronectin coated glass although they remained rounded on the fibronectin coated PEMA/THFMA system. Vitronectin was better at competing with the other proteins in serum and was the main adhesive protein for chondrocyte attachment to TCP and the PEMA/THFMA system in normal serum medium. Serum contains non-adhesive proteins that compete for binding sites and hence reduce cell attachment. The α5β1 and αvβ3/β5 integrins were detected on the chondrocytes although there may be a difference in expression between different material surfaces.