Modified substrates for protection of peptide-immobilized surfaces from gamma radiation degradation

Abstract

In the present specification and claims, three modified cell culture substrates are disclosed for protecting peptide mimetic surfaces used in cell culture technology. The methods are able to retain the functionality of the bioactive species conjugated to the surface. In particular, a vitronectin peptide fragment Ac-Lys-Gly-Gly-Pro-Gln-Val-Thr-Arg-Gly-Asp-Val-Phe-Thr-Met-Pro-NH2 was able to facilitate growth and proliferation of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells after stabilization using 3 different modified cell culture substrates for of protection against gamma irradiation. The modified substrates disclosed in this invention are (i) covalent attachment of the antioxidant molecules (via blocking step); (ii) The use of coatings consisting of anti-oxidants and stabilizers comprising glycoprotiens, sugars, carbohydrates, poly(amino acids), peptides and hydrophilic polymers; and (iii) a third method wherein the same methionine contained in the bioactive sequence used to facilitate growth and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells was also used as a sacrificial coating to protect the same conjugated sequence against damage by gamma irradiation.