We have cultured cells on PDMS functionalized with a Matrigel/Collagen mixture, and are wondering if new cells can be directly reseeded after enzymatically removing the original cells. We aren't sure if the ECM coating will be removed with the cells. Is it advisable to re-activate the surface and redo the ECM coating?
You should definitely remove the surface coating completely and start with new material. The biggest problem with reuse of PDMS structures is that they tend to take up hydrophobic small molecules, even moderately hydrophobic molecules e.g. estrogen, can easily partition into the PDMS. During the first experiment the PDMS may behave like a sink to the small molecules but during the subsequent experiments it may behave like s source.
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