Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
11:13
Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
Encapsulation of basic fibroblast growth factor by polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules and its controlled
Zhen She1, Chunxia Wang, Jun Li
1Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore.
Biomacromolecules
|June 5, 2012
Summary
Microcapsules effectively encapsulated basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), protecting it from degradation. This controlled release system enhanced cellular proliferation, demonstrating the potential of microencapsulation for FGF2 delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is crucial for cellular functions but sensitive to environmental instability.
- Developing stable delivery systems is essential for effective FGF2 therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize microcapsules for the controlled release of FGF2.
- To evaluate the impact of microcapsule properties on FGF2 stability, release kinetics, and cellular response.
- To assess the efficacy of FGF2-loaded microcapsules in promoting L929 cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a layer-by-layer coprecipitation method to encapsulate FGF2 within biodegradable polyelectrolyte microcapsules.
- Employed dextran sulfate and poly-L-arginine for shell assembly, investigating shell thickness effects.
- Measured encapsulation efficiency using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Assessed in vitro cytotoxicity, FGF2 release profiles, and L929 cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum FGF2 encapsulation efficiency of 42% with microcapsules comprising 14 shell layers.
- Demonstrated that microcapsule concentration and shell thickness influenced cytotoxicity and FGF2 release kinetics.
- Observed enhanced L929 cell proliferation when using microcapsules for FGF2 controlled release.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable polyelectrolyte microcapsules provide a promising platform for protecting and delivering FGF2.
- Optimized microcapsule shell thickness is critical for maximizing encapsulation efficiency and controlling FGF2 release.
- FGF2-loaded microcapsules effectively promote cell proliferation, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
