Dresden 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 46: Poster II

CPP 46.18: Poster

Donnerstag, 12. März 2026, 09:30–11:30, P5

Regulation of HUVEC Adhesion by Mechanical and Biochemical Tuning of PNIPAM Microgel Coatings — •Leonie Beer, Souraj Mandal, and Regine v. Klitzing — Soft Matter at Interfaces, Department of Physics, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt 64289, Germany

A bioactive and stable interfacial layer favouring HUVEC cell adhesion is a key factor in artificial vascular network construction. This work investigates the impact of the mechanical and biochemical properties of PNIPAM microgel (MG) coatings on HUVEC cell adhesion and proliferation on 3D printed polymeric surfaces. MG stiffness can be varied based on cross-linking, and bioactivity can be imparted by functionalizing MG with RGD-based peptide mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands. HUVEC cell culture studies showed significant effects of MG stiffness on cell adhesion and proliferation, with further improvement due to biochemical functionalization. In addition, different spacers were used to enhance cell attachment and growth.

MG adhesion on different substrates was also evaluated, revealing significantly stronger adsorption on 3D-printed polymeric surfaces compared to inorganic substrates. AFM imaging confirmed the presence of firmly adhered MGs beneath the cells, demonstrating long-term coating integrity under biological conditions.

These results demonstrate that PNIPAM MG coatings provide a robust, tunable, and bioactive platform for controlling HUVEC behaviour and represent a promising strategy for endothelialization of 3D-printed vascular structures.

Keywords: PNIPAM; artificial vascular network; Endothelial cell; Peptide