Alternating gene expression in fibroblasts adhering to multilayers of chitosan and dextran sulfate

Abstract The alternating compatibility of fibroblast cells adhering to multilayers of chitosan and dextran sulfate (Dex) on a substrate was analyzed at the gene expression level. A greater number of round‐shaped cells adhered to the films with an outermost surface composed of Dex, although the total number of adherent cells was independent of the film surface. Greater expression of heat‐shock protein 70B mRNA was demonstrated in cells adhering to films with the Dex surface. It was found that analysis of gene expression was a powerful tool for evaluating the bioactivity of multilayers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 1060–1063, 2003