Gel fabrication
Gel functionalization with fibronectin
Gel functionalization with TAMRA-RGD peptide
Silicone breast implant–derived materials
Mechanical characterization
Interfacial rheology measurements
Contact angle measurements
Steel ball indentation measurements
Gel preparation with Span85 surfactant treatment for cellular assays
Cell lines and culture
Antibodies and reagents
Cell morphology and spreading assays
Cell proliferation assays
Gene expression analysis
Isolation and culture of PBMCs
Preparation of a collagen master mix for 3D collagen I gels
PBMC-silicone interaction assay
PBMC—silicone droplets interaction assay
Immunofluorescence imaging
Hertz contact model with surface tension
Statistics
Responses of cell lines and primary monocytes to hydrogel and silicone materials in standard cultures or in biomimetic 3D collagen gel systems were analyzed. Hydrogel and silicone substrates were physically characterized and mechanically tested. Mechanical responses were compared with contact models for homogeneous elastic substrates and elastic substrates with surface tension. Pharmacological treatments and surfactants were used to test possible mechanisms of action.