Performance and detection of nano-thin polyelectrolyte shell for cell coating

Encapsulation of cells in nano-thin polymeric shells allowing for separation of biological material from produced factors may find application in the systems for biological processes regulation. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the usability of the constructed membrane with the incorporated fullerenol, its performance and detection as a coating shell on the biological material surface for bioartificial systems for biological processes regulation. The human leukemia cells were coated using layer-by-layer technique with nano-thin polymeric shell of around 3 nm thickness modified with incorporated fullerene derivate to ensure the layers stability and integrity. The nano-thin coating performance was assessed in vitro and in vivo. It was observed that the membrane with incorporated fullerenol did not evoke oxide of nitrogen production increase by human leukemia cells. Moreover, it was demonstrated that applied membrane material did not exert cytotoxic effect. Polyelectrolyte shells with incorporated fullerenol of different concentrations allowed for encapsulated leukemia cells functioning during the culture. The coating shell presence was confirmed using flow cytometry, atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopic examination. The assessment of the differences in adhesion work between the layers in unmodified or modified membrane system indicated strengthened forces combining the layers in the modified system. The membranes with strengthened adhesion forces between the layers maintaining immobilized cells integrity and viability in the systems supporting or replacing tissue or cell functions may be an alternative for immunosuppression applied for supporting transplant surviving.