Biomedical Applications of Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Cell Encapsulation: Current Status and Future...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell encapsulation is vital for extending cellular functions and advancing cell surface engineering.
• Recent years have seen widespread use of cell encapsulation in cutting-edge biomedical fields.
• Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly presents a promising approach due to its versatility and tunability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state-of-the-art of LbL cell encapsulation.
• To explore potential future biomedical applications of LbL cell encapsulation.
• To provide an overview of LbL assembly mechanisms, strategies, and applications.

Main Methods:

• Introduction to the principles and technologies of LbL self-assembly.
• Explanation of various cell encapsulation strategies utilizing LbL techniques.
• Review of existing literature on LbL cell encapsulation applications.

Main Results:

• LbL self-assembly enables the fabrication of diverse multilayer shells with controlled compositions and structures.
• Highlighted applications include cell-based biosensors, cell transplantation, cell/molecule delivery, and tissue engineering.
• The review details the mechanisms, strategies, and diverse biomedical uses of LbL cell encapsulation.

Conclusions:

• LbL self-assembly is a powerful and adaptable technique for advanced cell encapsulation.
• Significant potential exists for LbL cell encapsulation in various biomedical domains.
• Discussion of current limitations and future research directions is provided.