Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules.
Various scaffolds used in tissue engineering require a controlled biochemical environment to mimic the physiological cell niche. Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers can be used for controlled delivery of various biological agents such as small molecule drugs, cells, proteins and growth factors. The simplicity of the methodology in making IPC fibers gives flexibility in its application for controlled biomolecule delivery. Here, we describe a method of incorporating IPC fibers into two different polymeric scaffolds, hydrophilic polysaccharide and hydrophobic polycaprolactone, to create a multi-component composite scaffold. We showed that IPC fibers can be easily embedded into these polymeric structures, enhancing the capability for sustained release and improved preservation of biomolecules. We also created a composite polymeric scaffold with topographical cues and sustained biochemical release that can have synergistic effects on cell behavior. Composite polymeric scaffolds with IPC fibers represent a novel and simple method of recreating the cellular niche.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore.
Marie Francene A
MF
Cutiongco
Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore.
Benjamin Kim Kiat
BK
Teo
Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore; Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore; bieykfe@nus.edu.sg.
Evelyn King Fai
EK
Yim
D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry*; D003911:Dextrans / Q000737:chemistry; D005936:Glucans / Q000737:chemistry; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003911:Dextrans; D005936:Glucans; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020100:Hydrogels; D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; C009109:pullulan; D048271:Chitosan