Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules

Abstract

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. Video LinkThe video component of this article can be found at

Self‐assembly of multiscale anisotropic hydrogels through interfacial polyionic complexation

“…IPC fibers have been used as a delivery vehicle for small molecules, particles and cells through encapsulation (Cutiongco, Choo, et al, 2015; Cutiongco, Teo, Yim, 2015). Entrapment inside the interfacial fibers has been used as a simple way to load moieties into the IPC fibers with main goal to control and sustain their release.…”

“…3.7 | Fibrous hydrogel fabrication platform enabled single-step encapsulation of nanoparticles or small molecules to further modulate hydrogel properties IPC fibers have been used as a delivery vehicle for small molecules, particles and cells through encapsulation (Cutiongco, Choo, et al, 2015;Cutiongco, Teo, Yim, 2015). Entrapment inside the interfacial fibers has been used as a simple way to load moieties into the F I G U R E 5 Cytocompatibility of fibrous hydrogels.…”

Recent Progress on Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Therapeutic Biomolecules

“…Pullulan is a polysaccharide polymer consisting of maltotriose units connected by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds . Its biodegradability, nontoxic nature, and water retention capacity and the presence of multiple functional groups for cross-linking, make pullulan an optimal hydrogel-based biomaterial for delivery of cells and biomolecules. − …”

“…A composite scaffold based on pullulan/dextran/interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers was investigated for controlled delivery and improved preservation of various biomolecules . Application of this technique resulted in an entrapment efficiency of 70% of VEGF, with sustained release profiles for 7 days.…”