Well known suspension polymerization methods will be adapted in a novel way to produce microcarriers with desired surface chemistry. The proposed method will offer the flexibility of incorporating specific chemical functionality's and/or attachment aids or growth factors into the microcarrier surface, thereby approximating in vitro conditions. The effect of the engineered microcarrier surface on the growth of a transformed neuronal cell line will be determined and compared to commercially available microcarriers.If successful, this research will lead to an extensive Phase II research program in which microcarriers will be prepared with alternative surfaces to aid the attachment and growth of other clinically and industrially important cell lines. The long term goals of this project are to develop substrates for the efficient growth, maintenance and production of any cell line through surface engineering.Commercial Applications:The proposed research could represent a major breakthrough in the large scale and long term culturing of anchorage dependent cells. By designing microcarrier growth surfaces which are tailored to specific, industrially important cell lines, the production of viruses, vaccines, growth factors, and other biochemical products produced by cultured cells will be enhanced and facilitated.
