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Hybrids of Polymer Multilayers, Lipids, and Nanoparticles: Mimicking the Cellular Microenvironment
A S Vikulina1, A G Skirtach2, D Volodkin3
1Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Department Cellular Biotechnology & Biochips , Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology , Am Mühlenberg 13 , 14476 Potsdam-Golm , Germany.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|February 7, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed novel 2D/3D polymer structures to mimic cellular environments. These functional hybrids control biofactor presentation for engineering extra- and intracellular microenvironments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Research builds upon novel 2D/3D self-assembled polymer structures.
- Functional hybrids of polymer multilayers, lipids, and nanoparticles are key.
- These structures are inspired by the cellular microenvironment and extracellular matrix (ECM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore research directions and trends in self-assembled polymer structures.
- To investigate the recapitulation of ECM composition and biofactor dynamics.
- To develop tools for engineering and mimicking cellular microenvironments.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing hybrids of polymer multilayers, lipids, and nanoparticles.
- Employing proteins as models for biofactors (growth factors, cytokines, hormones).
- Developing externally IR-light-triggered release for controlled biofactor presentation.
- Templating pure protein beads on vaterite CaCO3 crystals.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated recapitulation of ECM composition and biofactor dynamics.
- Established IR-light-triggered release for precise control over biofactor presentation.
- Created protein beads that mimic cellular organelles by compartmentalizing active proteins.
Conclusions:
- Integration of developed approaches provides a powerful tool for bioengineering.
- Enables precise engineering and mimicking of both extracellular and intracellular microenvironments.
- Advances the design of functional biomimetic materials for cellular applications.
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