2. A thermoresponsive polymer with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 30C is grafted on the biomaterial surface. This polymer coated biomaterial is used to analyze for protein adsorption and celladhesion experiments.

a) For a given chain length and grafting density of this polymer, explain how the protein adsorption is regulated with respect to temperature on this polymer coated biomaterial. (10 points)

b) To further analyze the protein adsorption process, you varied the parameters in two ways (i) Altered the chain length at a given grafting density, and (ii) Altered the grafting density for a given chain length. For these conditions, explain how the protein adsorption is regulated with respect to temperature on this polymer coated biomaterial. (10 points)

c) You want to assess the adsorption of two specific proteins, lysozyme (molecular weight 14,600 Da) and fibrinogen (molecular weight 340,000 Da) separately from their respective single component solution. Based on the analysis from part (b), how does the adsorption characteristics of these two proteins differ. (5 points)

d) Identify the conditions (i.e. the chain length and grafting density) under which you expect to maximum cell-adhesion with increased spreading and attachment of cells. (5 points)

e) To engineer cell adhesion with this system. A growth factor (GF) which specifically interacts with cell surface receptor and promotes cell adhesion, is now conjugated to this thermoresponsive polymer. Qualitatively explain, how this system can regulate cell adhesion with respect to chain length and grafting density of the thermoresponsive polymer. (5 points)