title: Modification of fibrous poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds with self-assembling triblock molecules.
abstract: Molecular self-assembly offers an effective method to modify the surface properties of common biomaterials by presenting biologically relevant chemistry in a controlled, ordered fashion. This work reports on self-assembling triblock molecules containing rigid cholesteryl segments followed by flexible oligomers of L-(lactic acid) and second generation L-lysine dendrons. Second harmonic generation and small angle X-ray scattering indicate these molecules self-assemble into multilayer polar structures when cast from ethyl acetate solutions and segregate into polar polydomains when annealed. These self-assembled layers significantly improve water wettability when coated onto poly(L-lactic acid) fibers. Scaffolds formed from fibers modified by self-assembly enhance adhesion of 3T3 mouse calvaria cells and produce greater population growth rates. These results demonstrate the use of self-assembly to present biologically relevant chemistry on surfaces of biomaterials. Applications of this technology include the modification of substrates for cell culture, tissue engineering, and cell transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Dr., Evanston, IL 60208-3108 USA.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Stendahl
authors.forename: Leiming
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Randal C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Claussen
authors.forename: Samuel I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Stupp
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D006690:Bisbenzimidazole / Q000494:pharmacology; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002460:Cell Line; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008956:Models, Chemical; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012886:Skull / Q000378:metabolism; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); C007650:ethyl acetate; D004247:DNA; D002784:Cholesterol; D006690:Bisbenzimidazole