Enhancing biomedical applications: Modifying porous poly-di-methyl-siloxane (PDMS) structures with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to improve interaction with normal human breast cells (MCF10A cells)

The phenomenon of cell-biomaterial interaction is responsible for adherent cells' adhesion to the biomaterial surface and the corresponding cell activities. The study aimed to enhance biocompatibility and versatility by modification of porous PDMS structures with MNPs for their safe interaction with normal human breast cells, MCF10A cell line. Preparation of the MNP-modified porous PDMS substrate was carried out by mixing a silicone elastomer base with a curing agent at a specific ratio, typically in a 10:1, followed by modification with MNP and the creation of pores of different dimensions. The substrate was subsequently characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the assessment of cell proliferation and fluorescence imaging was done using the Alamar blue assay and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. The result of the study showed that PDMS + MNP (non-porous) did not significantly differ in percentage Alamar blue reduction at 4 hours when compared to PDMS + MNP_0-150, PDMS + MNP_150-250, and PDMS + MNP_250-500. Additionally, all the groups differed significantly (P>0.05) from one another at 48 and 96 h, except the PDMS+MNP_150-250 group compared to the PDMS+MNP_250-500 group, which did not exhibit any significant differences (P>0.05). The result further showed that when compared to all other groups, the fluorescence imaging result revealed that, after 96 h, there was very little cell attachment and proliferation on the surface of PDMS+MNP (non-porous). Other groups demonstrated discernable cell adhesion and proliferation over time. These outcomes demonstrate the significance of porosity in influencing cellular interactions and highlight its role in cell proliferation on biomaterial.