Fibronectin-modified surfaces for evaluating the influence of cell adhesion on sensitivity of leukemic cells to siRNA nanoparticles

Aim: This study aimed to create fibronectin (FN)-grafted polymeric surfaces to investigate the influence of leukemic cell adhesion on siRNA treatment. Materials & methods: FN was grafted on plasma-treated PTFE surfaces using chemical crosslinkers. Adhesion and growth of chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells on modified surfaces were investigated. The silencing effect of siRNA/lipid-polymers nanoparticles on cells grown on FN-grafted surfaces was evaluated. Results: Crosslinker-mediated immobilization showed significant FN grafting on surfaces, which provided K562 cell adhesion and growth advantage. siRNA nanoparticle silencing was similarly effective on FN-adhered and suspension-growing K562 cells. Conclusion: This study provided initial data to develop a cell-adhesive system to investigate therapeutic effects on leukemic cells. The response of chronic myeloid leukemia cells to siRNA nanoparticles was independent on cell attachment.