PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING CELL GROWTH ON SURFACES

摘要

A process for selecting the types of cells that will grow on a structure, such as an implantable device or a cell growth surface. The implantable device may have a titanium surface. The process includes attaching a molecular monolayer to the surface of the structure. The monolayer has a functional group at its distal end. The possible function groups include CH3, CH=CH2, Br, CN, COOH, and CHOHCH2OH. The monolayer is coated with an adhesion-mediating molecule such as fibronectin. Cells then contact the coating. The character of the functional group affects the growth characteristics of the adhering or contacting cell, independently of the nature of the underlying structure. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a metallic surface such as titanium to receive a molecular monolayer. The surface is placed in hot water (40-50 DEG C) for 4 hours with sonication, or in boiling water for 8 hours without sonication.