Fabrication of a Reactive Functionalized Microfilm with Aromatic Amines Applied to the Growth of Langerhans Cells

This study reports the synthesis of ultrathin polymeric films through layer-by-layer deposition and covalent cross-linking of poly(2-vinyl-4,4'-dimethylazlactone) and branched poly (ethylene imine) (PEI) which were functionalized with aromatic amines that encompass anilines. To assess the effect of these aromatics molecules on the adhesion and proliferation of Langerhans (3-cells, we prepared 35 bilayers of unfunctionalized and functionalized films with aromatic amines, which were characterized in terms of their physical, chemical, and biological properties by a battery of experimental techniques including 1H and 13C, NMR, mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and cell adhesion and staining. The films were nanometric, transparent, resistant to manipulation, chemically reactive, and highly cytocompatible. We demonstrated that films functionalized with aromatic molecules support the attachment and growth of in vitro Langerhans (3-cells. This study provides the basis for a general approach to designing and functionalizing ultrathin films that promote cell growth on surfaces of interest for investigation in cell biology studies and a broad range of other biomedical applications.