Cell behaviour in new poly(l-lactic acid) films with crystallinity gradients

We report a new facile method for the development of crystallinity gradients in poly(l-lactic acid) films, based on the gradual dipping of amorphous PLLA samples in a hot bath. Isothermal cold crystallization studies were performed using DSC and optical microscopy in order to find adequate conditions to generate crystallinity gradients in the PLLA films. Cellular response along PLLA samples with graded spherulitic developments was tested: cell adhesion is higher in more crystalline zones due to highly flattened appearance of the cells in regions densely populated with spherulites, but cell density was found to be higher in the more amorphous side.

► A new methodology is proposed to obtain crystallinity gradients in PLLA films.
► A good control in the spherulitic development along the film length was achieved.
► Such gradient had an influence on the cell behaviour.