Modification of fibrous poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds with self-assembling triblock molecules

Biomaterials. 2004 Dec;25(27):5847-56. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.01.042.

Abstract

Molecular self-assembly offers an effective method to modify the surface properties of common biomaterials by presenting biologically relevant chemistry in a controlled, ordered fashion. This work reports on self-assembling triblock molecules containing rigid cholesteryl segments followed by flexible oligomers of L-(lactic acid) and second generation L-lysine dendrons. Second harmonic generation and small angle X-ray scattering indicate these molecules self-assemble into multilayer polar structures when cast from ethyl acetate solutions and segregate into polar polydomains when annealed. These self-assembled layers significantly improve water wettability when coated onto poly(L-lactic acid) fibers. Scaffolds formed from fibers modified by self-assembly enhance adhesion of 3T3 mouse calvaria cells and produce greater population growth rates. These results demonstrate the use of self-assembly to present biologically relevant chemistry on surfaces of biomaterials. Applications of this technology include the modification of substrates for cell culture, tissue engineering, and cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Bisbenzimidazole / pharmacology
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Cholesterol / chemistry
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Chemical
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Skull / metabolism
  • Surface Properties
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Water / chemistry
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Water
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • ethyl acetate
  • DNA
  • Cholesterol
  • Bisbenzimidazole