Direct functionalization of cell‐adhesion promoters to hydrogel microparticles synthesized by stop‐flow lithography

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microparticles generated via stop-flow lithography can be utilized for efficient microparticle-based cell culture processes because of their high biocompatibility, the molecular diffusion capability in gel structure, and tunability shape size. However, typical functionalization process PEG with cell-adhesion promoters has inevitable limitations, requiring additional linker molecules preconjugation linkers to microparticles. In this study, a simple direct promoter is presented by use aza-Michael reaction between remnant unreacted acrylate groups particles amine promoters. On basis proposed process, are directly conjugated poly-l-lysine (PLL), that electrostatically interact cellular membranes, controllable manner. We demonstrate enhanced capabilities along increased amount PLL particles. Furthermore, validate extended applicability, Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptides, which RGD sequence involved behavior extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. The introduced GRGDS peptides increase capacity binding integrin proteins membranes.