Development of multifunctional biomaterials, which can closely mimic cellular microenvironment and provide necessary signals for cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, is much needed in the multidisciplinary field of Tissue Engineering.  Current strategies involve chemical modifications of the base polymer, which can often change microstructure and chemical composition of the biomaterial, and complicate our understanding of biological responses.  We have employed functionalized a-cyclodextrin (a-CD) nanobeads threaded onto the polymer chains that are cell responsive and sensitive to manipulate material properties.  With this design, we can enhance cell-material interactions; eliminate variables involved in existing methods, and precisely control material physical and chemical properties.  Here we describe the design and synthesis of both a-CD-based hydrogels and electrospun fibers, elucidate structure-property relationships, and demonstrate its applications ranging from stem cell culture and differentiation to tissue regeneration.

Multifunctional biomaterials using nanobeads

244th National Meeting (2012)

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