It is Time for a Change: Petri Dishes Weaken Cells

Abstract

We wish to draw the attention to a potential deficiency in the biocompatibility of polystyrene cell culture dishes which is caused by a softening of the material under relevant culture conditions. The finding confirms the central hypothesis of our previous model study. In it we assumed a local increase in pH at the interface between the hydrophilic polymer and liquid. The finding is of considerable biological interest. Polystyrene tissue culture dishes are now in use for 50 years. To the best of our knowledge their biocompatibility has never been challenged. Here we report the first experimental proof that exposure to water softens the surface of polystyrene Petri dishes. We expect that our results will stimulate the development of a new generation of cell culture devices, including Petri dishes and culture flasks, and the establishment of improved biomimetic settings for tissue engineering and stem cell research. New non-swelling biomaterials or nanocoatings designed to reduce the swelling of polymer culture dishes could improve cell performance. The need for further study is clear.