Enhancement of cell growth on growth factor-immobilized polymer film.

Insulin, transferrin and collagen were immobilized on the surface of hydrolysed poly(methyl methacrylate) films. Mouse STO fibroblasts were cultured on the protein-immobilized films. Growth factors remained immobilized without detachment and accelerated cell growth in a more potent manner than free or adsorbed growth factors. Immobilized collagen enhanced the flattening of adhered cells in the early stages of cell adhesion, but did not enhance cell growth significantly.