Study of the cell/polyelectrolytes interaction: The role of the hyaluronan-based pericellular matrix

INTRODUCTION: Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films are promising bioactive materials for the development of biomimetic films to be used in vitro or in vivo to control cellular behaviours. The formation of focal adhesion complexes, and the consecutive cytoskeletal reorganisation, influence important functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The initial cellECM/surface interaction is mediated by a pericellular matrix (PCM). PCM is a thick coat, constituted mainly by hyaluronan, lying between the cell membrane and the extracellular matrix, which recognizes the substrate and holds the cells close to the surface until stable contacts are established. In this study we explore how PCM mediates the cell interaction with positive (PEI) and negative (PSS) charged polyelectrolytes.