Improved cellular bioactivity by heparin immobilization on polycarbonate film via an aminolysis modification for potential tendon repair

Tendon repair was an important part during tendon to bone healing. In the present study, heparin molecules were immobilized on the aminolyzed PCL surface to improve the cellular bioactivity for potential tendon repair. The effects of heparin immobilization on protein adsorption behavior and cellular bioactivity of NIH3T3 and ATDC5 cells were investigated. The results were shown as follows: Heparin molecules could be effectively immobilized on the PCL surface through an aminolysis modification. PCL films exhibited a more negative surface after heparin immobilization. The existence of heparin enhanced the adsorption of proteins. Heparin immobilized PCL sample improved the attachment and proliferation of NIH3T3 and ATDC5 cells, also enhanced the secretion of collagen and glycosaminoglycans.