title: Control of stem-cell behavior by fine tuning the supramolecular assemblies of low-molecular-weight gelators.
abstract: Controlling the behavior of stem cells through the supramolecular architecture of the extracellular matrix remains an important challenge in the culture of stem cells. Herein, we report on a new generation of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWG) for the culture of isolated stem cells. The bola-amphiphile structures derived from nucleolipids feature unique rheological and biological properties suitable for tissue engineering applications. The bola-amphiphile-based hydrogel scaffold exhibits the following essential properties: it is nontoxic, easy to handle, injectable, and features a biocompatible rheology. The reported glycosyl-nucleoside bola-amphiphiles (GNBA) are the first examples of LMWG that allow the culture of isolated stem cells in a gel matrix. The results (TEM observations and rheology) suggest that the supramolecular organizations of the matrix play a role in the behavior of stem cells in 3D environments.
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, F-33000 Bordeaux (France).
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Latxague
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ramin
authors.forename: Ananda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Appavoo
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berto
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maisani
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ehret
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Chassande
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barthélémy
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009705:Nucleosides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012212:Rheology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D009705:Nucleosides; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
keywords: amphiphiles; hydrogels; stem cells; supramolecular chemistry