Synthesis and application of new microcarriers for animal cell culture. Part I: Design of polystyrene based microcarriers.

In this work (Part I), surface modified styrene polymers as new microcarrier material for animal cell culture were extensively investigated. The first synthesis steps--carried out by chloromethylation, sulphonation and nitration of the polystyrene matrix--resulted in precursors with a defined surface layer thickness. The obtained hydrophobic bulk phase showed a limited absorption of hydrophilic media components compared to polysaccharides matrices like dextran. By varying reaction conditions for microcarrier synthesis and/or by using similar styrene type polymer matrices like polyvinyltoluene, the specific density (1.028-1.05 g/cm3) of the microcarrier matrix was adjusted without problems. Chemical varying of the microcarrier surface by reaction of the precursors with different amines, saccharides or proteins led to new microcarriers with optimal conditions for cell adhesion and cell growth. All biological investigations were carried out with a BHK 21 (c-13) cell line. Detailed results will be discussed and summarized in Part II of this work.