Effect of physicochemical characteristics of pure and hybrid zeolite scaffolds on neoplastic cell activities

LTL, MEL, MFI, LTA, FAU pure and hybrid zeolite membranes were synthesized and applied to in vitro cell cultures. These membranes have been used in inorganic cell/scaffold constructs having different physicochemical characteristics such as frameworks, hydrophilicity, crystal size, chemical composition, acid-base properties (Point of Zero Charge, PZC) and surface morphology. We have selected the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line as model tumor cell line. Because the control of cell interactions, as the adhesion, proliferation, remodelling and mobility, is important for differentiation and progression of tumors, this work focused on response of cancer cells adhered and grown on synthesized zeolite surfaces in order to study the influence of these scaffolds in controlled conditions. This study showed that all the synthesized zeolite membranes are excellent scaffolds because they are very selective materials to support the adhesion and growth of neoplastic cells. In addition, we evaluated the applicability of zeolite pure and hybrid membranes as carrier for selective adsorption and the delivery of two antineoplastic drugs: doxorubicin (DOX) and bergapten (5-MOP). FESEM, FTIR-ATR, XRD, AFM, Point of Zero Charge (PZC) and contact angle analyses have characterized all scaffolds. Cell adhesion, viability and morphology were measured by count, MTT assay and FESEM microphotography analysis, at various incubation times from seeding and drug treatments.