Search

Radiotherapy (RT) is an essential treatment modality for several types of cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential, RT is frequently insufficient to overcome the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, failing to control tumor metastases. Innovative immunomodulatory strategies, like immunostimulatory biomaterials could be used to boost the immunogenic effects of RT. Herein, we addressed the synergistic potential of immunostimulatory chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (Ch/γ-PGA NPs) combined with RT to induce antitumor immunity in the 4T1 orthotopic breast tumor mouse model. Non-treated animals had progressive primary tumor growth and developed splenomegaly and lung metastases. While RT decreased primary tumor burden, Ch/γ-PGA NPs-treatment decreased systemic immunosuppression and lung metastases. The combination therapy (RT + Ch/γ-PGA NPs) synergistically impaired 4T1 tumor progression, which was associated with a significant primary tumor growth and splenomegaly reduction, a decrease in the percentage of splenic immunosuppressive myeloid cells and an increase in antitumoral CD4 + IFN-γ + population. Notably, animals from the combination therapy presented less and smaller lung metastatic foci and lower levels of the systemic pro-tumor cytokines IL-3, IL-4, IL-10, and of the CCL4 chemokine, in comparison to non-treated animals. Overall, these results evidenced that Ch/γ-PGA NPs potentiate and synergize with RT, headlining their promising role as adjuvant anticancer strategies., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The hypothesis behind this work is that fibrinogen (Fg), classically considered a pro-inflammatory protein, can promote bone repair/regeneration. Injury and biomaterial implantation naturally lead to an inflammatory response, which should be under control, but not necessarily minimized. Herein, porous scaffolds entirely constituted of Fg (Fg-3D) were implanted in a femoral rat bone defect and investigated at two important time points, addressing the bone regenerative process and the local and systemic immune responses, both crucial to elucidate the mechanisms of tissue remodelling. Fg-3D led to early infiltration of granulation tissue (6 days post-implantation), followed by bone defect closure, including periosteum repair (8 weeks post-injury). In the acute inflammatory phase (6 days) local gene expression analysis revealed significant increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, when compared with non-operated animals. This correlated with modified proportions of systemic immune cell populations, namely increased T cells and decreased B, NK and NKT lymphocytes and myeloid cell, including the Mac-1+ (CD18+/CD11b+) subpopulation. At 8 weeks, Fg-3D led to decreased plasma levels of IL-1β and increased TGF-β1. Thus, our data supports the hypothesis, establishing a link between bone repair induced by Fg-3D and the immune response. In this sense, Fg-3D scaffolds may be considered immunomodulatory biomaterials., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The paradigm of metallic ions as exclusive toxic agents is changing. During the last 60 years, knowledge about toxicological and immunological reactions to metal particles and ions has advanced considerably. Hip prostheses, namely metal-on-metal bearings, have prompted studies about excessive and prolonged exposure to prosthetic debris. In that context, the interactions of metal particles and ions with cells and tissues are mostly harmful, inducing immune responses that lead to osteolysis and implant failure. However, in the last decade, new strategies to promote immunomodulation and healing have emerged based on the unique properties of metallic ions. The atom-size and charge enable ions to interact with key macromolecules (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids) that affect cellular function. Moreover, these agents are inexpensive, stable and can be integrated in biomaterials, which may open new avenues for a novel generation of medical devices. Herein, orthopedic devices are discussed as models for adverse responses to metal ions, and debated together with the potential to use metal ions-based therapies, thus bridging the gap between unmet clinical needs and cutting-edge research. In summary, this review addresses the two "faces" of metallic ions, from pathological responses to innovative research strategies that use metal ions for regenerative medicine., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have created a demand for biomaterials with specific functions such as the ability to modify the host immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different pro-resolution lipid mediators, lipoxin A4 (LxA4) and resolvin D1 (RvD1), in the modulation of the inflammatory response to biomaterials through M2 macrophage polarization. This was investigated in vivo using a mouse air-pouch model of inflammation. Our results demonstrated that both LxA4 and RvD1 are able to shift the macrophage response to implanted Ch scaffolds to an M2 reparative response. The injection of these pro-resolution mediators caused a decrease in inflammatory cells recruited to the implant site together with higher numbers of F4/80(+)/CD206(+) cells (M2 macrophages) and lower numbers of F4/80(+)/CCR7(+) cells (M1 macrophages); it also induced a general decrease in several pro-inflammatory cytokines; and caused a significant decrease in the thickness and area of the fibrous capsule formed around the implanted scaffolds. In conclusion, the use of either LxA4 or RvD1 allowed the in vivo control of macrophage phenotypic profile and thus may play a significant role in regenerative medicine applications, namely through modulation of the inflammatory response., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In our search for immunomodulatory biomaterials capable of modulating the inflammatory response through M2 macrophage polarization, we report here on a new strategy that resulted from the incorporation of resolvin D1 (RvD1), a pro-resolution lipid mediator in porous 3D chitosan (Ch) scaffolds, followed by its lyophilisation. We have investigated the inflammatory response caused by this biomaterial in vivo using a mouse air-pouch model of inflammation. We found that this developed material caused a decrease in inflammatory cells recruited to the implant site, together with higher numbers of F4/80(+)/CD206(+) cells (M2 macrophages) and lower numbers of F4/80(+)/CCR7(+) cells (M1 macrophages). It also induced a general decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caused a decrease in the inflammatory cells observed around and within the implanted scaffolds, when compared with Ch alone or Ch not submitted to lyophilisation after RvD1 incorporation. Our results demonstrate that we were able to develop an immunomodulating biomaterial that triggers a shift in the macrophage response towards a M2 reparative response that will be advantageous for the host., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the leading cause of low back pain and disability in the active population. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a hydrogel carrier can induce regenerative effects in degenerated IVDs. Moreover, it was found that degenerative discs release chemoattractants effective in MSC recruitment. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that an injectable hydrogel that can enhance the number of migrated MSCs in the IVD and provide a suitable matrix for their survival and differentiation would be ideal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a thermoreversible hyaluronan-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HAP) hydrogel as chemoattractant delivery system to recruit human MSCs in degenerative IVDs. The results demonstrate that HAP hydrogels containing stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) significantly increased the number of MSCs migrating into nucleotomized discs compared with discs treated with only HAP or SDF-1 in solution. HAP hydrogels releasing SDF-1 enhanced both the number of recruited cells and their migration distance in the IVD tissue. Furthermore, this phenomenon was dependent on MSC donor age. In conclusion, HAP SDF-1 is effective for the recruitment of stem cells in the IVD, thus opening new possibilities for the development of regenerative therapies based on endogenous cell migration., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Macrophages are a key cell in the host response to implants and can be polarized into different phenotypes capable of inducing both detrimental and beneficial outcomes in tissue repair and remodeling, being important in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the macrophage response to 3D porous chitosan (Ch) scaffolds with different degrees of acetylation (DA, 5% and 15%). The M1/M2 phenotypic polarization profile of macrophages was investigated in vivo using a rodent air-pouch model. Our results show that the DA affects the macrophage response. Ch scaffolds with DA 5% induced the adhesion of lower numbers of inflammatory cells, being the M2 the predominant phenotypic profile among the adherent macrophages. In the inflammatory exudates F4/80(+)/CD206(+) cells (M2 macrophages) appeared in higher numbers then F4/80(+)/CCR7(+) cells (M1 macrophages), in addition, lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines together with higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were found. Ch scaffolds with DA 15% showed opposite results, since M1 were the predominant macrophages both adherent to the scaffold and in the exudates, together with high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Ch scaffolds with DA 5% induced a benign M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage response, whereas Ch scaffolds with DA 15% caused a macrophage M1 pro-inflammatory response., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Albumin-scavenging surfaces decorated with n-alkyl chains represent an established strategy for blood-contacting applications. To evaluate this concept, a set of poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) films modified with different amounts of octadecyl isocyanate (C18) was investigated in an in vitro hemocompatibility assay using freshly drawn human whole blood. In addition, the hydrogel materials were thoroughly characterized with respect to changes in wettability and elasticity, which accompanied the gradual chemical modification of pHEMA. An increase of the surface C18 content induced enhanced hydrophobicity and stiffness. Immobilization of C18 chains was found to substantially reduce the coagulation activation and the complement activation by the pHEMA films. Platelet adhesion and degranulation (PF4 release) were similar on the modified and the unmodified pHEMA. Platelet adhesion to pHEMA hydrogels was lower than the polytetrafluoroethylene reference. We conclude that the immobilization of octadecyl chains improved the hemocompatibility of pHEMA materials under conditions that might be encountered in low shear blood flow., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cell-based therapies offer an attractive approach for revascularization and regeneration of tissues. However, and despite the pressing clinical needs for effective revascularization strategies, the successful immobilization of viable vascular cells within 3D matrices has been difficult to achieve. In this paper the in vitro potential of a natural, injectable RGD-alginate hydrogel as an in situ forming matrix to deliver endothelial cells was evaluated. Several techniques were employed to investigate how these microenvironments could influence the behavior of vascular cells, namely their ability to promote the outward migration of viable, proliferative cells, retaining the ability to form a 3D arrangement. Cells within RGD-grafted alginate hydrogel were able to proliferate and maintained 80% of viability for at least 48 h post-immobilization. Additionally, entrapped cells created a 3D organization into cellular networks and, when put in contact with matrigel, cells migrated out of the RGD-matrix. Overall, the obtained results support the idea that the RGD peptides conjugated to alginate provide a 3D environment for endothelial cells adhesion, survival, migration and organization., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Thrombus formation is the major problem associated with biomaterials for blood contact medical devices. The immobilization of inhibitors to thrombin, a serine protease that plays a central role on the coagulation system, on the surface of biomaterials should be a good strategy to avoid blood clotting and increase their hemocompatibility. The aim of this work is the design of a nanostructured surface with capacity to adsorb and inactivate thrombin. The pentapeptide sequence d-Phenylalanine-Proline-Arginine-Proline-Glycine (fPRPG), that was described as a thrombin inhibitor, was immobilized onto tetra(ethylene glycol) terminated self-assembled monolayers (EG4-SAMs). Surface containing different amounts of fPRPG were prepared using different concentrations of N,N'-Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) during immobilization. The efficiency of fPRPG immobilization was followed using ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thrombin adsorption was quantified using radiolabelled thrombin and its activity in solution and after adsorption on the developed surfaces was assessed using a chromogenic assay. It was found that, although the immobilization of fPRPG on to EG4-SAMs does not increase its selectivity to thrombin, the activity of the adsorbed thrombin was inhibited in a peptide concentration dependent way. We concluded that SAMs with fPRPG immobilized in high amounts can be used as thrombin-inhibitor surfaces, which is a good step on the development of new surfaces for blood contact devices., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Notch signaling is a key mechanism during mammal development and stem cell regulation. This study aims to target and control Notch signaling by ligands immobilization using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as model surfaces. Non-fouling substrates were prepared by immersion of gold substrates in (1-Mercapto-11-undecyl)tetra(ethylene glycol) thiol solutions. These surfaces were activated with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) at different concentrations (0, 0.03, 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/ml) and an anti-human IgG, Fc specific fragment antibody (Ab) was covalently bound to EG4-SAMs to guarantee the correct exposure of the Notch ligand Jagged-1/Fc chimera (Jag-1). The presence of Ab and Jag-1 was confirmed by radiolabeling, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry and ELISA. The biological activity of Jag-1-Ab-SAMs was assessed by real-time PCR for Hes-1 family gene expression, a Notch pathway target gene, in HL-60 cell line. Results have shown an increase of the amount of immobilized Ab with increasing surface activator concentrations. Jag-1 concentration also increases with Ab concentration. Interestingly, a higher Jagged-1 exposure and fold increase in Hes-1 expression were obtained for surfaces activated with the lowest concentration of CDI (0.03 mg/ml). These results illustrate the great importance of ligands orientation and exposure, when compared with density. This investigation brings new insights into Notch signaling mechanisms. In particular, Jag-1-Ab-SAMs have shown to be adequate model surfaces to study Notch pathway activation and may provide a basis to develop new interfaces in biomaterials to control Notch mechanism in different cell systems.

This work intended to create a nanostructured biomaterial that would bind albumin in a selective and reversible way in order to inhibit the adsorption of other blood proteins and therefore minimize activation of coagulation. Different levels of C18 ligand have been immobilized on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). We hypothesize that samples with intermediate amounts of C18 ligand would allow albumin to recognize them and bind through its hydrophobic pockets specific for long chain fatty acids. Surface characterization has confirmed increasing amounts of C18 ligand on pHEMA as the percentage of C18 in solution increases, with maximum coverage achieved in 10% C18 samples. Adsorption from pure albumin solution revealed a small decrease in albumin adsorption from pHEMA to 1% C18 and 2.5% C18 samples, but on surfaces with 5% or higher C18 the amount of adsorbed albumin increased as the percentage of C18 increased. Competitive adsorption studies in the presence of both albumin and fibrinogen, and in the presence of all plasma proteins showed that 1% C18 and 2.5% C18 were the only surfaces selective for albumin, and that the presence of all plasma proteins may even potentiate albumin adsorption. Reversibility studies demonstrated that both 2.5% C18 and 5% C18 samples exchange (125)I-albumin selectively in the presence of both unlabeled albumin and plasma, but 2.5% C18 samples presented higher exchangeability rates (58%). Clotting times using recalcified plasma revealed that samples with none or small amounts of C18 (pHEMA to 5% C18) did not shorten the clotting time compared to the negative control (polystyrene), indicating low activation of the intrinsic coagulation cascade.

Chitosan (Ch) porous matrices were investigated regarding their ability to be colonized by human microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC-ST1.6R cell line) and macrovascular endothelial cells namely HUVECs. Specifically we assessed if previous incubation of Ch in a fibronectin (FN) solution was effective in promoting endothelial cell (EC) adhesion to Ch matrices with different degrees of acetylation (DAs). Upon FN physiadsorption, marked differences were found between the two DAs investigated, namely DA 4% and 15%. While cell adhesion was impaired on Ch with DA 15%, ECs were able to not only adhere to Ch with DA 4%, but also to spread and colonize the scaffolds, with retention of the EC phenotype and angiogenic potential. To explain the observed differences between the two DAs, protein adsorption studies using (125)I-FN and immunofluorescent labelling of FN cell-binding domains were carried out. In agreement with the higher cell numbers found, scaffolds with DA 4% revealed a higher number of exposed FN cell-binding domains as well as greater ability to adsorb FN and to retain and exchange adsorbed FN in the presence of competitive proteins. These findings suggest that the DA is a key parameter modulating EC adhesion to FN-coated Ch by influencing the adsorbed protein layer.

Bone regeneration seems to be dependant on cell communication between osteogenic and endothelial cells arising from surrounding blood vessels. This study aims to determine whether endothelial cells can regulate the osteogenic potential of osteoprogenitor cells in vitro and in vivo, in a long bone defect, when co-immobilized in alginate microspheres. Alginate is a natural polymer widely used as a biomaterial for cell encapsulation. Human osteoprogenitors (HOP) from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were immobilized alone or together with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) inside irradiated, oxidized and RGD-grafted alginate microspheres. Immobilized cells were cultured in dynamic conditions and cell metabolic activity increased during three weeks. The gene expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, both specific markers of the osteoblastic phenotype, and mineralization deposits were upregulated in co-immobilized HOPs and HUVECs, comparing to the immobilization of monocultures. VEGF secretion was also increased when HOPs were co-immobilized with HUVECs. Microspheres containing co-cultures were further implanted in a bone defect and bone formation was analysed by muCT and histology at 3 and 6 weeks post-implantation. Mineralization was observed inside and around the implanted microspheres containing the immobilized cells. However, when HOPs were co-immobilized with HUVECs, mineralization significantly increased. These findings demonstrate that co-immobilization of osteogenic and endothelial cells within RGD-grafted alginate microspheres provides a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering.

The objective of this study was to compare the biological effects of two key cell-adhesive proteins, fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN), upon adsorption onto molecularly-designed model surfaces. Single-component and mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold with OH and CH(3) terminal groups were prepared at 100%, 65%, 36% and 0% of OH at the surface, to generate a range of surfaces with a simple chemistry and a wettability gradient. FN and VN were adsorbed under non-competitive (single-protein solutions) and competitive (multi-protein solutions) conditions, and compared at different levels: adsorbed amount (radiolabelling), elution, functional presentation of cell-binding domains (ELISA), and role in mediating cell adhesion (antibody-based assay). The observed trends were related to mesenchymal stem cell response in terms of adhesion and overall cell morphology. Under non-competitive conditions, adsorption of both proteins increased with surface hydrophobicity. The presence of competitive proteins significantly decreased the adsorbed amounts, although both proteins were still detected in all SAMs. Adsorption of FN followed a trend similar to that of non-competitive conditions, while adsorption of VN was higher on 100%OH-SAMs. Concerning elution, retention of adsorbed VN was always higher than that of FN. For both proteins, functional presentation of cell-binding domains was more effective on the more hydrophilic 100%OH-SAMs. This fact, coupled to the ability of this type of SAMs to selectively recruit and retain VN in the presence of competitive serum proteins, seems to correlate with the better cell response observed on these surfaces, as compared with hydrophobic 0%OH(100%CH(3))-SAMs.

There is a need for new therapeutic strategies to treat bone defects caused by trauma, disease or tissue loss. Injectable systems for cell transplantation have the advantage of allowing the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures, and thus for less discomfort to patients. In the present study, it is hypothesized that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-coupled in a binary (low and high molecular weight) injectable alginate composition is able to influence bone cell differentiation in a three-dimensional (3D) structure. Viability, metabolic activity, cytoskeleton organization, ultrastructure and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), von Kossa, alizarin red stainings and osteocalcin quantification) of immobilized cells were assessed. Cells within RGD-modified alginate microspheres were able to establish more interactions with the synthetic extracellular matrix as visualized by confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscopy imaging, and presented a much higher level of differentiation (more intense ALP and mineralization stainings and higher levels of osteocalcin secretion) when compared to cells immobilized within unmodified alginate microspheres. These findings demonstrate that peptides covalently coupled to alginate were efficient in influencing cell behavior within this 3D system, and may provide adequate preparation of osteoblasts for cell transplantation.

The effect of surface wettability on fibrinogen adsorption, platelet adhesion and platelet activation was investigated using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) containing different ratios of longer chain methyl- and shorter chain hydroxyl-terminated alkanethiols (C15CH3 vs. C11OH) on gold. Protein adsorption studies were performed using radiolabeled human fibrinogen (HFG). Platelet adhesion and activation studies with and without pre-adsorbed fibrinogen, albumin and plasma were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a glutaraldehyde-induced fluorescence technique (GIFT). Results demonstrated a linear decrease of HFG adsorption with the increase of OH groups on the monolayer (increase of the hydrophilicity). Platelet adhesion and activation also decrease with increase of hydrophilicity of surface. Concerning SAMs pre-immersed in proteins, fibrinogen adsorption was related with high platelet adhesion and activation. The passivant effect of albumin on platelet adhesion and activation was only demonstrated on SAMs contained C11OH. When all the blood proteins are present (plasma) platelet adhesion was almost absent on SAMs with 65% and 100% C11OH. This could be explained by the higher albumin affinity of the SAMs with 65% C11OH and the lower total protein adsorption associated with SAMs with 100% C11OH.

Surfaces of devices that contact blood accumulate adsorbed and denatured proteins perhaps triggering activation of the coagulation system. A renewable layer of albumin would biologically "passivate" the surface and prevent thrombus formation. Based on the approach of selectively binding albumin to fatty acids, different percentages of a compound with 18 carbons (C18) were immobilized on OH-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), ellipsometry, contact angle (and surface free energy) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were used to characterize these surfaces and proved that there is an efficient immobilization of C18. There is an increase of the thickness and hydrophobicity of SAMs with an increasing percentage of C18. Adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA) was evaluated using radiolabelled (125)I-HSA and IRAS. This study showed a gradual increase of HSA adsorption with the increase of surface hydrophobicity. Regarding competitive binding and exchangeability of albumin towards fibrinogen, it was proved, by radiolabelling, that SAMs prepared from solutions with 2.5% C18 presented considerable adsorption in a selective and reversible way.

We have used self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiolates on gold to study the contribution of methyl terminal functional groups in implant-triggered inflammation. The CH3-coated biomaterials were inserted in an air-pouch cavity of the BALB/c mouse and the in situ inflammatory response was monitored 4, 24, 48 and 72 h later. Flow cytometry was applied to define surface expression of the adhesion receptor Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), a marker of activated leukocytes, and also of CD3 and B220 antigens (T and B lymphocytes). The CH3-coated surfaces caused a significant enhancement in the number of Mac-1+ cells in the implant. The only significant change in T and B lymphocytes was a transient increase in T cells detected 48 h after the implantation. Peak numbers of Mac-1+ phagocytes were observed 24 h after implantation. We conclude that if CH3 is present at the surface of implants, this chemical group will trigger a significant enhancement of activated phagocytes involved in the inflammatory reaction, and this phenomenon may extend the local phlogistic event.

The adsorption of a therapeutic enzyme to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of different functionalities (X = CH(3)-, OH- and COOH-) was evaluated as a function of solution pH. Radiolabelling studies showed that the enzyme has higher affinity for hydrophobic surfaces than for hydrophilic surfaces, and that the highest adsorption was obtained at the more acidic pH values (4.5 and 5.5), despite the type of surface. IRAS and XPS measurements confirmed this tendency. Dye-binding studies and fluorescence quenching were used to investigate if a pH variation induces any conformational changes on the enzyme. Both methods suggest that lowering the pH from physiological to acidic values triggers an increased exposure of non-polar sites in the enzyme, which may modulate its adsorption behaviour to the more hydrophobic surfaces. At pH 4.5, the enzyme carries a substantial positive net charge and therefore relatively low native-state stability. As a consequence, surface binding may be favoured, irrespective of the type of surface, by providing increased conformational entropy to the enzyme. The specific activity (SA) of the adsorbed enzyme was strongly dependent on the conditions used. A decrease in SA (ca. 30% of control) was observed after adsorption on CH(3)-SAMs for all the pH tested. Adsorption on gold and on the more hydrophilic SAMs (OH- and COOH-) resulted in different degrees of inactivation at the more acidic pH (4.5), and in enzyme activation (up to ca. 230% of control) at higher pH (7-8), near the isoelectric point of the enzyme.

The acute inflammatory response and the adhesion of cells to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of well-defined surface chemistry was studied in vivo using a rodent air-pouch model of inflammation. SAMs with three different terminal functional groups (OH, COOH and CH3) were implanted in subcutaneous air pouches induced in BALB/c mice. After 24 h, inflammatory cells were recovered from the air pouches and the implants were removed and prepared for observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The implants coated with OH and CH3, were found to cause the highest recruitment of inflammatory cells into the subcutaneous pouches. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) leukocytes predominated over mononuclear cells in inflammatory exudates of SAMs-coated implants, the opposite being found in uncoated implants (controls). CH3-coated implants induced the highest number of inflammatory cells and also the largest percentage of PMNs seen in the subcutaneous pouches. Control and OH-covered implants presented the higher densities of attached inflammatory cells detected by SEM. In contrast, the CH3-coated implants showed a very low density of cells adherent to the implant surface. We conclude that the chemical nature and the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface of implants modulate both the local acute inflammatory reaction and the adhesion of leukocytes.