Osteoblast Adhesion and Proliferation on Poly(3-octylthiophene) Thin Films

In this study we assessed the suitability of semiconducting P3OT thin films (30 nm) to sustain attachment, spreading, and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. Cell area correlated with surface wettability: area was larger on the more hydrophilic surface (TCPS) and lower on the more hydrophobic surface (P3OT). Cells were rounder, characterized by higher circularity values, on TCPS and Si compared to P3OT. P3OT proliferation rate at 24 h fell twofold after 48 h, then recovered at 72 h to a value significantly higher than that on TCPS. Presoaking experiments showed no evidence of cytotoxic effects or leachants from P3OT. Overall, we conclude that P3OT is a viable substrate for osteoblast attachment and proliferation. The use of conducting polymers as biosensors, molecular actuators, and cell support substrates is a rapidly growing area in biomaterials. We assessed the suitability of poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT) thin films to sustain attachment and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. We conclude that while P3OT shows small, but statistically significant effects on cell spreading and proliferation, it is a suitable substrate for attachment and growth of osteoblasts.