Switchable bio-adhesion

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At 37C biological cells adhere to the new polymer material (above). When the substrate is cooled to room temperature the cells try to avoid contact by curling up into almost spherical shapes that can be rinsed off easily (below). Fraunhofer IAP
At 37°C, biological cells adhere to the new polymer material (above). When the substrate is cooled to room temperature, the cells try to avoid contact by curling up into almost spherical shapes that can be rinsed off easily (below). © Fraunhofer IAP
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have developed a new type of property-changing polymer: It is water-repellent at 37°C, which makes it an ideal culture substrate for biological cells. At room temperature it attracts water, allowing the cells to be detached easily from the substrate.


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