Effect of crosslinking chemistry of albumin/heparin multilayers on FGF-2 adsorption and endothelial cell behavior

•Amine, carboxyl, and induced aldehyde groups of heparin were used for crosslinking of LbL film.•The carbodiimide-mediated cross-linking was the most efficient fixation method.•FGF-2 bound the most effectively to the glutaraldehyde-cross-linked LbL film.•Films cross-linked through carboxyl and aldehyde groups showed a slow FGF-2 release.•FGF-2-loaded LbL films stimulated the HUVECs growth better than the soluble FGF-2.