Physical modification approaches to enhance cell supporting potential of poly (vinyl alcohol)‐based hydrogels

Abstract PVA‐based hydrogels with tissue engineered scaffolds application commonly need further modification to improve cell‐matrix interactions with respect to subsequent cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, PVA‐modified hydrogels were formed by subjecting the solutions of PVA/Poly (R‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), PVA/Extracellular Matrix (ECM), and PVA/PHB/ECM to freeze–thaw cycles and additive materials effect on cell supporting potential of the hydrogels was investigated. As, limited cell attachment and spreading were observed on PVA blended hydrogels, air plasma surface modification has been performed to promote cell attachment. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of some reactive bonds such as carbonyl on pure and amide on ECM‐coated PVA after plasma exposure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) also proved increased roughness of hydrogel surface due to the plasma treatment. Plasma modification positive effect on cytoskeleton arrangement of cultured equine adipose derived stem cells (eASCs) was then confirmed by DAPI/phalloidin staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. In summary, among different physical modification approaches, coating with ECM fallowed by air plasma treatment had the most significant effect on cell‐hydrogel interactions. Thus, this combined modification method can be utilized to improve initial attachment and subsequent phenotype of cultured cells on PVA hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.