Preparation and characterization of a porous scaffold based on poly(D,L-lactide) and N-hydroxyapatite by phase separation

In this study, a series of porous scaffolds were prepared from poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and nanohydroxyapatite (HA) using the phase separation method. HA/PLA composite membranes and PLA membranes with a microporous structure (pore size around 10-20 μm) were observed by scanning electron microscopy and these micropores were well distributed throughout the PLA membranes. The surface morphology of HA/PLA composite membranes was significantly improved compared to pure PLA membrane. Also, the mechanical property and contact angle of composite membranes were different from that of pure PLA films. The immortalized rat osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cell line was used in this research to study the cell adhesion and proliferation behavior, and the results indicated that composite membranes had great cell affinity and good biocompatibility.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Porous Scaffold Based on Poly(D,L-Lactide) and N-Hydroxyapatite by Phase Separation

In this study, a series of porous scaffolds were prepared from poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and nanohydroxyapatite (HA) using the phase separation method. HA/PLA composite membranes and PLA membranes with a microporous structure (pore size around 10–20 μm) were observed by scanning electron microscopy and these micropores were well distributed throughout the PLA membranes. The surface morphology of HA/PLA composite membranes was significantly improved compared to pure PLA membrane. Also, the mechanical property and contact angle of composite membranes were different from that of pure PLA films. The immortalized rat osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cell line was used in this research to study the cell adhesion and proliferation behavior, and the results indicated that composite membranes had great cell affinity and good biocompatibility.     

Tethering poly(ethylene glycol)s to improve the surface biocompatibility of poly(acrylonitrile-co-maleic acid) asymmetric membranes

To improve the surface biocompatibility, asymmetric membranes fabricated from poly(acrylonitrile-co-maleic acid)s (PANCMAs) synthesized by water-phase precipitation copolymerization were tethered (or immobilized) with poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) by esterification reaction. Chemical changes on the membrane surface were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis to confirm the immobilization of PEG onto the PANCMA membranes. The hydrophilicity and blood compatibility of the PEG-tethered PANCMA membrane were investigated by water contact angle, water absorption, protein adsorption, plasma platelets adhesion and cell adhesion measurements, and the results were compared with the corresponding PANCMA membranes. It was found that, after the tethering of PEG, the hydrophilicity of the membrane can be improved significantly, and the protein adsorption, platelets adhesion and macrophage attachment on the membrane surface are obviously suppressed. Furthermore, not only the content of maleic acid in PANCMA, which influences the tethering density of PEG, but also the molecular weight of PEG has great effect on the surface modification of PANCMA membranes for biocompatibility.     

The influence of isocyanurate content on the bioperformance of hydrocarbon-based polyurethanes

Bulk, surface and bioactivity of newly synthesized hydroxy telechelic polyisoprene-based (H-HTPI) polyurethane were investigated by means of ATR-FT-IR, contact-angle measurements, cell viability, calcification, and platelet and fibrinogen quantification. The influence of isophorone diisocyanates isocyanurate (I-IPDI) content on these properties was determined. Results generally showed a non-significant difference in these properties when they were compared with a commercially available biomedical polyurethane (PU), such as Tecoflex. Unexpectedly, where the increase of isocyanate content for commercial diisocyanate-based biocompatible PU significantly increases the surface contact angle, the new hydroxy telechelic polyisoprene-based PU showed a decrease of water contact angle with increasing I-IPDI content in the polymer. Nevertheless, the overall surface exhibited hydrophobic properties, i.e., theta > 85. Polymer cytotoxicity, assessed with L929 cell line in direct contact with the surface of the samples, showed no toxic effects on the cells. Interestingly, regardless of the I-IPDI content, platelet adhesion and fibrinogen adsorption, as well as the mineral deposition were fairly similar for all synthesized PUs. Our findings revealed that replacing diisocyanates by their isocyanurate homologues is a very relevant approach for preparation of polyurethanes with different mechanical properties while maintaining similar surface properties.     

Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Nano-hydroxyapatite-Reinforced Aliphatic Polyurethanes Membranes

Polymer nano-composite membranes, based on aliphatic biodegradable polyurethane (PU) elastomers and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), were prepared by solvent casting and freeze-drying. The PU matrix was synthesized from 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H₁₂ MDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), castor oil (CO) and 1,4-butandiol (BDO). The n-HA/PU membranes were characterized by SEM, XRD, IR, TG, mechanical test and in vitro biocompatibility. The results revealed that incorporation of 30 wt% n-HA into the PU matrix increased the tensile strength nearly by 186% and the elongation-at-break by 107% compared to pure PU. The addition of n-HA had the slight positive effect on the thermal stability of PU. Cell culture and MTT assays showed that the incorporation of n-HA into the PU matrix provided a favourable environment for initial cell adhesion, maintained cell viability and cell proliferation. These results suggested that the n-HA/PU composite membrane might be a prospective biodegradable guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane for future applications.     

The influence of isocyanurate content on the bioperformance of hydrocarbon-based polyurethanes

Bulk, surface and bioactivity of newly synthesized hydroxy telechelic polyisoprene-based (H-HTPI) polyurethane were investigated by means of ATR–FT-IR, contact-angle measurements, cell viability, calcification, and platelet and fibrinogen quantification. The influence of isophorone diisocyanates isocyanurate (I-IPDI) content on these properties was determined. Results generally showed a non-significant difference in these properties when they were compared with a commercially available biomedical polyurethane (PU), such as Tecoflex^®. Unexpectedly, where the increase of isocyanate content for commercial diisocyanate-based biocompatible PU significantly increases the surface contact angle, the new hydroxy telechelic polyisoprene-based PU showed a decrease of water contact angle with increasing I-IPDI content in the polymer. Nevertheless, the overall surface exhibited hydrophobic properties, i.e., > 85. Polymer cytotoxicity, assessed with L929 cell line in direct contact with the surface of the samples, showed no toxic effects on the cells. Interestingly, regardless of the I-IPDI content, platelet adhesion and fibrinogen adsorption, as well as the mineral deposition were fairly similar for all synthesized PUs. Our findings revealed that replacing diisocyanates by their isocyanurate homologues is a very relevant approach for preparation of polyurethanes with different mechanical properties while maintaining similar surface properties.     

Blood-compatibility of polyurethane/liquid crystal composite membranes.

Polyurethane/liquid crystal composite membranes were first suggested to be used as biomaterials. In our work, three series of polyurethane/liquid crystal composite membranes based on three different kinds of liquid crystal compounds [N-(-4-methyoxybenzylidene)-4'-heptylaniline, 4-pentyl-4'-nitrile-biphenyl and cholesteryl oleyl carbonate] were prepared by casting on glass plates from a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of polymer and liquid crystal at room temperature. In our opinion, the formation of liquid crystal phase on the composite membrane surface is the basic requirement for getting better biomaterial. The result of this work is in accordance with our opinion. The effect of liquid crystal content on the formation of liquid crystal phase was identified by the observation of optical polarization microscopy (OPM). The results showed that the content of liquid crystal in composite membrane must be more than 30% (wt) in order to form liquid crystal phase on the composite membrane surface. The blood-compatibility of the composite membranes was assessed from SEM observation of the platelet's adhesion to membrane's surface, blood clotting time and haemolysis ratio. The observation of platelet's adhesion showed that the platelets gathered together on the pure polyurethane films, but the amount of platelets which were adherent on the surface covered by the liquid crystal phase was fewer than that of pure polyurethane film when platelet-rich plasma was allowed to be in contact with the membranes for 1 h at room temperature. The determination of blood clotting time and haemolysis ratio showed that these polyurethane/liquid crystal composite membranes, in which the content of liquid crystal was more than 30% (wt), appear to be beneficial in improving the blood compatibility and reducing the thrombogenicity.     

Biocompatibility evaluation of ePTFE membrane modified with PEG in atmospheric pressure glow discharge

ePTFE membranes were modified by poly(ethylene glycol) having a molecular weight of 600 (PEG-600) in atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APG) plasma treatment. ePTFE membranes were immersed in 1%, 3%, or 5% (w/v) PEG-600 in dehydrated ethanol. PEG-600-penetrated ePTFE membranes were dried in a vacuum to immediately remove ethanol, then treated with APG at 20 kHz and 60-70 W for 15 min and thoroughly washed with ethanol and water. PEG-600-modified ePTFE membranes were analyzed using contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ePTFE membrane contact angles were reduced after PEG-600 plasma treatment. FTIR-ATR spectra showed an absorption band due to a PEG hydroxyl group (-OH). SEM showed that ePTFE fiber surfaces were uniformly immobilized with PEG-600 and retained their porous structure. A general biological evaluation of the PEG-modified ePTFE membranes showed no cytotoxicity on CHO-K1 cell lines and no hemolytic action. Albumin adsorption on the PEG-modified ePTFE membranes increased with increasing PEG-600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. Fibrinogen adsorption decreased with increasing PEG-600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. gamma-Globulin adsorption did not change before or after PEG plasma modification. 1% and 3% PEG-600 plasma-treated ePTFE only slightly increased platelet adhesion, but adhering platelets evidenced no pseudopod formation. 5% PEG-600-modified ePTFE showed relatively large numbers of platelet adhesion. We concluded that 3% PEG-600-modified ePTFE membrane had the best physical properties and biological compatibility, indicating 3% PEG-600-modified ePTFE membranes exhibit the potential for blood filter application.     

Cytocompatibility of poly(acrylonitrile-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) membranes with human endothelial cells and macrophages

Polyacrylonitrile modified with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) shows good hemocompatibility. This work, which aims to evaluate the cytocompatibility of membranes fabricated from poly(acrylonitrile-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PANCNVP), studied the adhesion of macrophages and endothelial cell (EC) cultures. It was found that PANCNVP membranes with higher NVP content decreased the adhesion of both macrophages and ECs. Compared with polyacrylonitrile and tissue culture polystyrene control, however, these PANCNVP membranes promoted the proliferation of ECs. Furthermore, the viability of ECs cultured on the PANCNVP membrane surfaces was also relatively competitive. Both static and dynamic water contact angle measurements were conducted to explain the nature of cell adhesion to the PANCNVP membranes. On the basis of these results and the phenomena of water swelling and water states reported previously, it was presumed that the coexistence of large amounts of bound water and free water induced by NVP moieties are responsible for the lower adhesion and better function of cells adhering to the PANCNVP membranes.     

Microbiological interaction and diffusion properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic PU membranes

In this study, the diffusion characteristics of Diclofenac-Na through hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyurethane (PU) based membranes are investigated. Hydrophilic polymers are obtained via graft copolymerization of PU with acrylic acid (AA) and crotonic acid (CA). The membranes are prepared by solvent-casting method and characterized by FTIR spectra and SEM analysis. The diffusion measurements are performed using a diffusion cell during 10 h at 37 degrees C. Permeability coefficients calculated from diffusion experiments are found to be approximately three times higher in hydrophilic membrane than hydrophobic PU membrane. The adherence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) onto the membranes at 37 degrees C were also investigated. It is determined that the microorganisms didn't adhere onto the membranes compared by control suspension.     

Evaluation of cell behaviour related to physico-chemical properties of polymeric membranes to be used in bioartificial organs

In bioartificial organs using isolated cells, polymeric semipermeable membranes are used as immunoselective barriers as a means for cell oxygenation and also as substrata for adhesion of anchorage-dependent cells. The capacity of the membrane to perform its functions and to provide a cytocompatible support for cell culture depends in particular on its surface properties. In this study we investigated the physico-chemical aspects of the interaction between the membrane and mammalian cells in order to provide guidelines to the selection of cytocompatible membranes. We evaluated the adhesion and metabolic behaviour of isolated liver cells cultured on various polymeric membranes such as those modified by protein adsorption. The physico-chemical properties of the membranes were characterised by contact angle measurements. The different parameters such as acid (gamma+), base (gamma-) and Lifshitz-van der Waals (gammaLW) of the surface free energy were calculated according to Good-van Oss's model. The adsorption of protein modified markedly both contact angle and components of membrane surface tension. In particular, base parameter of surface tension decreased drastically with increased water contact angle. For each investigated membrane we observed that cell adhesion increased with increasing base parameter of membrane surface tension. The absolute value of cell adhesion is higher in the presence of serum proteins adsorbed on the membrane surface, which change the wettability by increasing the base parameter of surface tension. Also, the metabolic functions improve on hydrophilic membranes. Liver cells synthesised urea with a rate that increased with increasing base parameter value of membrane surface tension. The metabolic activity is particularly expressed at high levels when cells were cultured on polycarbonate and cellulose acetate membranes.     

A hybrid electrospun PU/PCL scaffold satisfied the requirements of blood vessel prosthesis in terms of mechanical properties,pore size,and biocompatibility

In this study, a novel hybrid polyurethane/polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) tubular scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning process for blood vessel prosthesis applications. The detailed microstructure and material properties such as porosity, tensile and bust strength, contact angle, and biocompatibility were investigated and compared with those of monolithic PU and PCL scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the hybrid PU/PCL scaffold (tensile strength: 18?MPa, pressure strength: 590?mmHg) were found to be within the range needed for artificial blood vessel applications. The pore sizes of the PU/PCL scaffold ranged from 5–150?um in diameter, are sufficient enough to allow nutrient diffusion across the membrane. The reduced hydrophobic property of the PU/PCL scaffold was the result of the addition of relatively less hydrophobic PU compared with monolithic PCL scaffold. The biocompatibility of the PU/PCL scaffold was evaluated through cytotoxicity testing, and morphological observation by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy using cow pulmonary artery endothelial cells and fibroblast like cells (L929).     

Biodegradable block poly(ester-urethane)s based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymers

A series of block poly(ester-urethane)s (abbreviated as PU3/4HB) based on biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3/4HB) segments were synthesized by a facile way of melting polymerization using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the coupling agent and stannous octanoate (Sn(Oct)(2)) as catalyst, with different 4HB contents and segment lengths. The chemical structure, molecular weight and distribution were systematically characterized by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal property was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrophilicity was investigated by static contact angle of deionized water and CH(2)I(2). DSC curves revealed that the PU3/4HB polyurethanes have their T(g) from -25.6?°C to -4.3?°C, and crystallinity from 2.5% to 25.3%, being almost amorphous to semi-crystalline. The obtained PU3/4HBs are hydrophobic (water contact angle 77.4°-95.9°), and their surface free energy (SFE) were studied. The morphology of platelets adhered on the polyurethane film observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that platelets were activated on the PU3/4HB films which would lead to blood coagulation. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay revealed that the PU3/4HBs displayed higher platelet adhesion property than raw materials and biodegradable polymer polylactic acid (PLA) and would be potential hemostatic materials. Crystallinity degree, hydrophobicity, surface free energy and urethane linkage content play important roles in affecting the LDH activity and hence the platelet adhesion. CCK-8 assay showed that the PU3/4HB is non-toxic and well for cell growth and proliferation of mouse fibroblast L929. It showed that the hydrophobicity is an important factor for cell growth while 3HB content of the PU3/4HB is important for the cell proliferation. Through changing the composition and the chain-length of P3/4HB-diol prepolymers, the biocompatibility of the poly(ester-urethane)s can be tailored.     

Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ethylene glycol)-g-chitosan electrospun membranes

Ibuprofen-loaded composite membranes composed of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol)-g-chitosan (PEG-g-CHN) were prepared by electrospinning. The electrospun membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical evaluation and contact angle measurements. Shrinkage behavior of the membrane in buffer at 37 degrees C was also evaluated. It was found that PLGA glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased with increasing PEG-g-CHN content in the composite membranes, which results in a decrease in tensile stress at break but an increase in tensile strain of the membranes. The degree of shrinkage of these composite membranes decreased from 76 to only 3% when the PEG-g-CHN content in the membranes increased from 10 to 30%. The presence of PEG-g-CHN significantly moderated the burst release rate of ibuprofen from the electrospun PLGA membranes. Moreover, ibuprofen could be conjugated to the side chains of PEG-g-CHN to prolong its release for more than two weeks. The sustained release capacity of the PLGA/PEG-g-CHN composite membranes, together with their compliant and stable mechanical properties, renders them ideal matrices for atrial fibrillation.     

A facile approach toward multifunctional polyethersulfone membranes via in situ cross-linked copolymerization

In this study, multifunctional polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are prepared via in situ cross-linked copolymerization coupled with a liquid–liquid phase separation technique. Acrylic acid (AA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP) are copolymerized in PES solution, and the solution is then directly used to prepare PES membranes. The infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy testing, scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angle measurements confirm the successful modification of pristine PES membrane. Protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, plasma recalcification time, and activated partial thromboplastin time assays convince that the modified PES membranes have a better biocompatibility than pristine PES membrane. In addition, the modified membranes showed good protein antifouling property and significant adsorption property of cationic dye. The loading of Ag nanoparticles into the modified membranes endows the composite membranes with antibacterial activity.     

Hemocompatibility of polyacrylonitrile dialysis membrane immobilized with chitosan and heparin conjugate

Chitosan (CS)/heparin (HEP) polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was covalently immobilized onto the surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane. The effect of surface modification on the protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, metabolites permeation and anticoagulation activity of the resulting membrane was investigated. Surface characterization such as water contact angle, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope were performed. The immobilization of PEC caused the water contact angle to reduce, thereby indicating the increase in the hydrophilicity. Protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and thrombus formation were all reduced by the immobilization of HEP. Anticoagulant activity was evaluated with activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen time, and thrombin time (TT). The results revealed that PEC-immobilizing membrane can improve antithrombogenicity of PAN membrane. In addition, the PEC-immobilized membranes can suppress the proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro cytotoxicity test showed leachable substance released was below cytotoxic level. The pure water permeability results show little variation due to PEC-immobilization. Thus PEC-immobilization can endow the PAN membrane hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity while retaining the original permeability.     

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of polyetherurethane (PU) film containing zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) on various cell lines

A polyetherurethane (PU) film containing 0.1% zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) is the international standard reference material for testing the in vitro cytotoxicity of polymer based biomaterials. Nowadays, culturing L929 or BALB/3T3 cells in direct contact or in an extract dilution condition is the most frequently using method for evaluating the cytotoxicity from biomaterials and medical devices. However, the results often vary, because it is directly related to the cellular functions and the mechanism of the toxicity of the contacting cells. In this study, 13 cell lines originating from various tissues were used to detect the cytotoxic activities of a PU film containing 0.1% ZDEC (PU-ZDEC). The correlation between the reactivity zone size and the relative cytotoxicity by quantifying the released total protein from each cell in the direct contact testing method was investigated. Hepa-1c1c7 cells demonstrated the highest sensitivity in the reactivity zone size, while CHO/dhFr(-) cells were the most sensitive in terms of the relative cytotoxicity. A correlation between the two processes in each cell line was not found (r=-0.478). In the extract dilution method, which involved cultivating the cells in the medium with various ZDEC concentrations prepared by diluting the PU incubation, the cytotoxicity increased with increasing ZDEC concentration in all cell lines. The BALB/ 3T3 cells demonstrated the highest sensitivity in the extract dilution method. No correlation in a comparison of the relative cytotoxicity from the direct contact method with the extract dilution method in each cell line, was found (r=-0.445). In this experiment, Hepa-1c1c7, BALB/3T3, CHO/dhFr(-) and L-929 cells among the 13 types of cell lines were the sensitive cell lines according to the two methods. The preliminary results suggest that a comparison of at least one or more cytotoxicity testing methods and many cell lines is necessary for an in vitro cytotoxicity test of biomaterials.     

Modification of HTPB-based polyurethane with temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) for biomaterial usage

Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based polyurethane with dimethyol propionic acid (DPA) as chain extender was synthesized by solution polymerization. The HTPB-based polyurethane was modified by UV radiation with N-isopropyl acrylamide monomer to get poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-modified polyurethane (PUDPANIPAAm). The cohesive energy (E(coh)), molar volume (V), solubility parameter (delta), molecular weight (W(M)), volume per gram (V(g)), and the density (1/V(g)) of PUDPANIPAAm were calculated by group contribution methods. To evaluate the application of PUDPANIPAAm for wound dressing and transplantation of cell sheet, the measurement of water content, water vapor transmission rate, and gas permeation on the PUDPANIPAAm membrane was evaluated. The biocompatibility of these membranes, cell adhesion, and proliferation assay were conducted in the cell culture. The effect of thermosensitivity of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) on cell detachment was also evaluated in the primary study. The results showed that these PUDPANIPAAm membranes are thermosensitive. The modification of PU with poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) reduced the water vapor transmission rate and permeability of gas through PUDPANIPAAm membrane. PUDPANIPAAm membranes could support cell adhesion and growth. Owing to the thermosensitive nature of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), the relative cell numbers detached from PUDPANIPAAm membranes were larger than those detached from the polystyrene dish.     

Enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial property of polyurethane materials modified with citric acid and chitosan

Citric acid (CA) and chitosan (CS) were covalently immobilized on polyurethane (PU) materials to improve the biocompatibility and antibacterial property. The polyurethane pre-polymer with isocyanate group was synthesized by one pot method, and then grafted with citric acid, followed by blending with polyethersulfone (PES) to prepare the blend membrane by phase-inversion method so that chitosan can be grafted from the membrane via esterification and acylation reactions eventually. The native and modified membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, and tensile strength test. Protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, hemolysis assay, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, and adsorption of Ca²⁺ were executed to evaluate the blood compatibility of the membranes decorated by CA and CS. Particularly, the antibacterial activities on the modified membranes were evaluated based on a vitro antibacterial test. It could be concluded that the modified membrane had good anticoagulant property and antibacterial property.     

On the tissue compatibility of poly(ether imide) membranes: an in vitro study on their interaction with human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes

Recently we have developed a novel type of membrane based on poly(ether imide) (PEI) which is considered for biomedical application. To improve its physical and biological performance it was modified by blending with poly(benzimidazole) (PBI). In the present study both membranes were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties and in vitro tissue compatibility using human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The modified membrane (PEI*) was more hydrophilic, less porous and had an increased surface (zeta) potential. We further found that blending with PBI tends to promote cell contact, at least initially, as indicated by the improved overall cell morphology, adhesion and spreading of fibroblasts, and the development of focal adhesion complexes. The effects of fibronectin (FN) and serum coating were also beneficial when compared to pure PEI and tissue culture polystyrene (TCP), which correlates to a higher adsorption of both FN and vitronectin detected by ELISA. However, a clear tendency for homotypic cellular interaction particularly of keratinocytes was obtained in contact with membranes, which was much stronger pronounced on PEI*. Although the initial adhesion was greater on PEI*, a surprising decrease in cell growth was observed at later stages of incubation, which may be explained with the membrane-promoted cellular aggregation leading to an easier detachment from the substratum. Thus, membranes based on blends of PEI with PBI could provide a tissue compatible scaffold with lowered adhesive properties, which might be a useful tool for the transfer of cells, for example, to in vitro engineered tissue constructs.