Multiple Functionalities of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films: New Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The design of advanced functional materials with nanometer- and micrometer-scale control over their properties is of considerable interest for both fundamental and applied studies because of the many potential applications for these materials in the fields of biomedical materials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. The layer-by-layer deposition technique introduced in the early 1990s by Decher, Moehwald, and Lvov is a versatile technique, which has attracted an increasing number of researchers in recent years due to its wide range of advantages for biomedical applications: ease of preparation under "mild" conditions compatible with physiological media, capability of incorporating bioactive molecules, extra-cellular matrix components and biopolymers in the films, tunable mechanical properties, and spatio-temporal control over film organization. The last few years have seen a significant increase in reports exploring the possibilities offered by diffusing molecules into films to control their internal structures or design "reservoirs," as well as control their mechanical properties. Such properties, associated with the chemical properties of films, are particularly important for designing biomedical devices that contain bioactive molecules. In this review, we highlight recent work on designing and controlling film properties at the nanometer and micrometer scales with a view to developing new biomaterial coatings, tissue engineered constructs that could mimic in vivo cellular microenvironments, and stem cell "niches."

Temperature-induced molecular transport through polymer multilayers coated with PNIPAM microgels

“…Nowadays these multilayer films are extensively used as reservoirs to host bioactive molecules aiming at biological applications. [6][7][8][9][10] A variety of molecules can be embedded into the films; they include small drugs and dyes, [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] proteins and peptides, [18][19][20][21] or nucleic acids. 22,23 Extensive reviews on the reservoir properties of the multilayers can be found elsewhere.…”

“…22,23 Extensive reviews on the reservoir properties of the multilayers can be found elsewhere. 6,7,10,24 Multilayers assembled from the biopolymers hyaluronic acid (HA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) are some of the most studied systems. The HA/PLL multilayers are non-toxic for a variety of cell lines and have been employed to control cell adhesion via chemical or physical cues.…”

Deposition Mechanisms in Layer-by-Layer or Step-by-Step Deposition Methods: From Elastic and Impermeable Films to Soft Membranes with Ion Exchange Properties

“…Enzymes can be encapsulated in such films and remain active for longer time durations than in solution [78]. Many bioapplications of PEM films are reported and have been reviewed [79,80]. Of particular interest is the finding that a change in the mechanical properties allows to fine tune not only the cellular adhesion [81], but also the level of nuclear expression of the adherent cells [82].…”

Bio-Inspiered Blood-Contacting Materials Elaborated For The Heart Assist System

“…In simple terms, the proposed solution provided the structural support to the cells. The ECM-like structure play an important role in modulating numerous cellular functions including: cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation [20][21][22][23]. For this reason, the use of synthetic materials, like polyelectrolyte was proposed.…”