"Protein Adsorption on a Degradable Polyurethane (D-PHI) Scaffold and Its Role in Human Monocyte and VSMC Interactions during Tissue Generation"

Following the implantation of a biomaterial, monocytes play a critical role directing the subsequent cellular and wound healing response. These effects are orchestrated through a combination of released cytokines and regulatory growth factors, direct cell-cell contact between monocytes and other cell types, and protein interactions between the cells and the biomaterial substrates. Previous work evaluating the use of a degradable polar hydrophobic ionic polyurethane (D-PHI) for vascular tissue engineering applications indicated its ability to support an anti-inflammatory monocyte state while also supporting growth and a contractile vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype. The current presentation reports on the mechanisms of action by which the unique surface chemistry of D-PHI influences cell monocyte function via the adsorbed protein layer, in order to direct subsequent VSMC interactions with the scaffold during tissue generation.