Abstract
Specific interactions between cells and cell-interactive polymers in solution were investigated by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique and rheological measurements. The green fluorescence emission was dramatically reduced when rhodamine-stained cells were mixed with a fluorescein-labeled RGD-alginate solution, compared with those mixed with no RGD-containing alginate solution, which indicated an occurrence of FRET and existence of specific interactions between the cells and the polymers in. solution. Rheological measurements also confirmed the formation of ordered structures of cell/polymer mixtures, caused by specific cell-polymer interactions. The FRET method was able to provide a useful means of investigating cell-polymer interactions, both in a qualitative and quantitative manner, and this approach to monitoring and controlling specific interactions between cells and polymers could be useful in the design and tailoring of polymeric carriers for cells, as well as for biological drugs, especially for tissue engineering applications. A figure is presented.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 140-145 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Macromolecular Bioscience |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 11 2008 |
Keywords
- FRET
- Ligand
- Receptor
- Rheological measurement
- Specific interaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry