Analysis of functional recovery in cells treated with co-block polymers after thermal injury

The purpose of this study was to facilitate the functional recovery of thermally injured cells by employing synthetically engineered biomaterials (surfactant molecules) to stabilize the plasma membrane supramolecular assembly. The authors have employed morphological and functional viability assays to quantify the survival of heat shocked cells treated with triblock polymer Poloxamer 188 (P-188). The viability of the cells was assessed using two different assays, namely; evaluation of morphology, and cell function via the ability of cells to reorganize fibroblasts populated collagen lattices (EPCLs). The results of this study indicate that low concentrations of P-188 were effective in increasing both morphological and functional viability of cells following heat injury. Further, it appears that there exists a time window during which the viability of cells treated with P-188 is enhanced.