Surface immobilisation and properties of smooth muscle cells monitored by on-line acoustic wave detector

The attachment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells to various surfaces has been monitored by a thickness shear mode acoustic wave device incorporated into an on-line configuration. Using the total injection analysis method, laminin and fibronectin were adsorbed to the device surface, to be followed by introduction of cells into the system. The results of these experiments in terms of frequency and motional resistance measurements were also compared with those for cell attachment to the bare gold electrode of the sensor. The responses of the surface-bound cells to the introduction of various ions, depolarisation events and damage subsequent to exposure to hydrogen peroxide were also observed. Morphological changes in the cells, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, are correlated with results of the acoustic wave measurements.