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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5847-5856 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Biomaterials |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 27 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 1 2004 |
Keywords
- Cell adhesion
- Polylactic acid
- Scaffold
- Self-assembly
- Surface modification
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Ceramics and Composites
- Biophysics
- Biomaterials
- Mechanics of Materials