Figure 2.
Function of thermo-responsive cell culture carriers based on poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide). (Left) At temperatures above the critical temperature, Tcr, of the polymer system, intramolecular interactions between the single polymer chains are preferred. The polymer system is collapsed and allows for adhesion of cells. (Right) Reduction of the temperature beneath Tcr of the polymer system supports intermolecular interactions via hydrogen bonds between polymer chains and water molecules. The polymer system swells and thermally induced detachment of adherent cells as a sheet occurs. ECM = extracellular matrix; SRP = stimuli-responsive polymer.