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Abstract
Cell Adhesion on Natural Rubber Latex Films: Influence
of Surface Properties
Adhesion, proliferation and spreading of cells on
polymeric surfaces are regulated by the various surface properties of substrates,
and cell responses are often indicative of their biocompatibility nature.
Three differently prevulcanised natural rubber latexes i.e. irradiated (IR),
peroxide (PX) and sulphur (SPV) vulcanised latexes and one non-vulcanised
high ammoniated latex (HA) were examined for their wettability, surface
microstructure and surface chemical composition. Influence of these surface
properties on the cell activities of L929 fibroblasts was studied. Scanning
electron microscopy showed that IR and PX supported greater cell activity
than HA while SPV was inferior. Cell activity was enhanced on the rougher
less hydrophobic and `cleaner' (i.e. surfaces with fewer chemicals) IR and
PX surfaces. HA and SPV surfaces showed additional presence of a myriad
of chemical elements not detected in IR or PX. SPV was particularly detrimental
to cells, likely due to the distinct presence of zinc-related chemicals
on its surface. It is apparent that the prevulcanisation process has imparted
greater surface microstructure, and hydrophilicity to IR and PX surfaces,
the probable reason for these two latex materials to be more superior for
adhesion, proliferation and spreading of cells.

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