Journal Article

FZJ-2018-02425

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Chemically defined, ultrasoft PDMS elastomers with selectable elasticity for mechanobiology

Heinrichs, V.FZJ* ; Dieluweit, S.FZJ* ; Stellbrink, J.FZJ* ; Pyckhout-Hintzen, W.FZJ* ; Hersch, N.FZJ* ; Richter, D.FZJ* ; Merkel, R. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2018
PLoS Lawrence, Kan.

This record in other databases:    

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/18071  doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0195180

Abstract: Living animal cells are strongly influenced by the mechanical properties of their environment. To model physiological conditions ultrasoft cell culture substrates, in some instances with elasticity (Young's modulus) of only 1 kPa, are mandatory. Due to their long shelf life PDMS-based elastomers are a popular choice. However, uncertainty about additives in commercial formulations and difficulties to reach very soft materials limit their use. Here, we produced silicone elastomers from few, chemically defined and commercially available substances. Elastomers exhibited elasticities in the range from 1 kPa to 55 kPa. In detail, a high molecular weight (155 kg/mol), vinyl-terminated linear silicone was crosslinked with a multifunctional (f = 51) crosslinker (a copolymer of dimethyl siloxane and hydrosilane) by a platinum catalyst. The following different strategies towards ultrasoft materials were explored: sparse crosslinking, swelling with inert silicone polymers, and, finally, deliberate introduction of dangling ends into the network (inhibition). Rheological experiments with very low frequencies led to precise viscoelastic characterizations. All strategies enabled tuning of stiffness with the lowest stiffness of ~1 kPa reached by inhibition. This system was also most practical to use. Biocompatibility of materials was tested using primary cortical neurons from rats. Even after several days of cultivation no adverse effects were found.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Biomechanik (ICS-7)
2. Neutronenstreuung (Neutronenstreuung ; JCNS-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 552 - Engineering Cell Function (POF3-552) (POF3-552)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection ; Zoological Record

---