Surface Hydrophobicity Modulates the Key Characteristics of Cancer Spheroids through the Interaction with the Adsorbed Proteins
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3D in vitro cancer models have emerged as a promising tool for various cancer-related applications. Here, it is demonstrated that the proteins adsorbed on the culture substrate significantly influence the characteristics of the cancer cells. A series of polymers are prepared for the precise control of the surface hydrophobicity of the culture plate. Cancer cells cultured on the polymers exhibit distinct morphological transitions ranging from monolayer to spheroid with entirely different characteristics depending on the surface hydrophobicity. The poly (cyclohexyl methacrylate) surface of the highest hydrophobicity tested in this study strongly attracts albumin from the media and induces conformational changes, leading to the formation of spheroid with the most enriched tumorigenic properties. It is believed that this finding can provide new insights when selecting the experimental strategy to appropriately mimic the complex interplay between the cancer cells and proteins.