Polyelectrolytes are interesting biomaterials due to the facile tunability of their composition and properties for use in, i.a., temporary cell scaffolds and prosthetics. Cell encapsulation in alginate-polycation-alginate hydrogel beads has been investigated using poly-L-lysine to electrostatically complex with the anionic, calcium-crosslinked alginate bead. However, these beads can evoke immune responses in hosts due to, i.a., dense patches of positive charge that are not adequately masked by an outer alginate coat.<br/>This presentation describes copolymers of primary amine-based monomers, such as <i>N</i>-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide (APM), with functional comonomers that allow for electrostatic complexation and covalent crosslinking on the alginate bead while reducing the likelihood on an adverse immune response. One approach uses cationic charge-shifting 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)propyl acrylate (BDMAPA) to reduce the final net charge of the capsule, while another utilizes anti-fouling comonomers to reduce protein adhesion. The investigation of such primary amine-based copolymers and their potential as cytocompatible and non-fouling materials in cell encapsulation will be discussed. Experimental results of copolymer optimization and properties as well as microscopy studies of ionic and crosslinked alginate bead coatings and cell encapsulation.

Primary amine-based cationic copolymers for alginate capsules

256th National Meeting (2018)

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