Interaction of fibroblast cells onto chloric acid-treated poly(α-hydroxy acid) polymer surfaces

PLA, PGA and PLGA films were treated with chloric acid mixture solution [70% perchloric acid (HClO₄)/potassium chlorate (KClO₃) aq. saturated solution, 3:2] to increase surface wettability and thus cell compatibility. The surface-treated PLA, PGA, and PLGA films were characterized by the measurement of water contact angle, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Surface wettability of chloric acid-treated PLA, PGA, and PLGA film surfaces was gradually increased with increase of treatment time. Unlike EtOH pre-treatment, chloric acid-treated polymer films maintain hydrophilic surface after drying. In cell adhesion test, fibroblasts were cultured on the chloric acid-treated film surfaces for 1 and 2 days. As the surface wettability increased, the cell adhesion on the surface were increased. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the surface wettability of polymer plays an important role for cell adhesion and proliferation behavior.