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This paper describes the synthesis and cytotoxicity of poly(anhydride esters) that are composed of several salicylate derivatives, including halogenated salicylates, aminosalicylates, salicylsalicylic acid, and thiolsalicylic acid. The incorporation of these nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into a biodegradable polymer backbone yields drug-based polymers that have potential for a variety of applications. The poly(anhydride esters) were synthesized by melt condensation polymerization. The halogenated salicylate derivatives yielded the highest molecular polymers as well as the highest glass transition temperatures. All polymers displayed in vitro degradation lag times from 1 to 3 days, depending on the water solubility of the salicylate derivative. Cell viability and proliferation were determined with L929 fibroblast cells in serum-containing medium to assess the polymer cytotoxicities, which varied as a function of the saliyclate chemistry. Cell morphology was normal for most of the polymers evaluated.

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Imaging of two adsorbed proteins on micropatterned glass substrates in air and liquid was conducted using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). The micropatterned glass substrates were prepared in five steps and evaluated by NSOM at each processing step. The micropatterned samples consisted of alternating 10 µm wide laminin stripes and 20 µm wide bovine serum albumin stripes. The samples containing both protein stripes were imaged "dry" (i.e., in air) using conventional contact AFM, then imaged dry with NSOM, and finally imaged in the hydrated form (i.e., in liquid) using NSOM. When samples were imaged in air, similar topographical features were observed using both AFM and NSOM. However, after the sample was rehydrated and imaged with NSOM in solution, the topography changed significantly. Having confirmed that the "real" surface topography was obtained while the proteins were in the hydrated form, in situ NSOM was used to detect changes in surface topography with nanometer resolution as a function of the micropatterning process. Although lithographic micropatterning provides chemical cues, in situ NSOM demonstrates that topographical cues are also an important aspect of the surface that serves to regulate cellular attachment and migration.