ABSTRACT
The advantages of wielding synthetic polymer are that the pore size, physical strength and chemical composition can be easily controlled. However, the synthetic polymer has hydrophobic character and low affinity to cells and other bio molecules. This study was performed to investigate the effect of plasma glow's discharge on the surface modification of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) sponge on the adhesion and bio-activity of chondrocytes in vitro culture. PLGA sponges(lactic acid: glycolic acid = 85 : 15, pore size=200 - 300 mrcro m, dimension=15 x 2 mm) were prepared. The experimental group(n=8) was treated with a radiofrequency plasma glow-discharge(acrylic acid and oxygen: 50 W, 0.2 torr for 30 seconds) but the control group (n=8) was treated with nothing. 1 x 10(6)ml/20 microliter of P3 chondrocytes from rabbit ears were used for seeding. Eight hours after cell seeding, the total DNA amount of chondrocytes attached to the PLGA and the changes of actin were evaluated under a confocal microscope. Type I and II collagen expression were detected by RT-PCR three weeks after seeding for an evaluation of phenotypic maintenance. The total DNA amount of attached chondrocytes was remarkably increased in the experimental group(p < 0.05). After scrutinizing with a confocal microscope, the actin of cells was more spread out and finely arranged in the experimental group than in the control group. Both types of collagen expression were significantly increased in their assigned groups. Plasma treatment of the PLGA sponge could increase the adhesion property of chondrocytes, and provide suitable environment for maintaining the phenotype of chondrocytes.