The combination of cells with polymeric scaffolds is a promising strategy for engineering tissues and cellular delivery. Most of these materials are engineered so they could provide support, adherence and growth of cells under physiological conditions. Once in vivo, scaffolds should retain their structural integrity and biomechanical strength for a long period of time.We have successfully synthesized series of side chain liquid crystal e-caprolactone-based elastomers modified with cholesterol liquid crystal units to enhance mechanical properties and promote stimuli-responsive surface properties for cell attachment. The new e-caprolactone based elastomers are being used as viable candidates for tissue regeneration to which cells can attach, differentiate and proliferate.We will provide morphological and structural information on the synthesized biopolymeric scaffolds, discuss the macroscopic physical behavior of the elastomers, and focus on interactions between the liquid crystalline scaffolds with cells depending on applied external stresses/stimuli.

Biodegradable and biocompatible side chain liquid crystal elastomers: Synthesis, characterization, and cellular response of &epsi;-caprolactone-based scaffolds

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.