Development and optimization of modular self-assembling nucleopeptide-based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

摘要

We have demonstrated ThyFFF hydrogels are mechanically and structurally similar to FmocFF hydrogels and provide an environment much more suitable for cell viability. Long-term viability will be established by culturing cells on ThyFFF substrates for several days and three-dimensional viability studies will also be performed to evaluate cell survival in a more physiologically representative milieu. These studies highlight the implicit biocompatibility of ThyFFF supports, making them an effective foundation upon which to build a more bioactive construct. We have shown that the presence of relatively large oligonucleotides during self-assembly has a minimal impact on mechanical properties. Structurally related molecules-aptamers and siRNA, for two examples-will therefore be added to ThyFFF assemblies as well for mechanical, structural, and cell studies. Aptamers, oligonucleotides that bind specific target molecules, can deliver biologically active species to functionalize hydrogels and potentially direct cell behavior-such as growth factors to encourage cell metabolism and proliferation. Modular hydrogels made from biocompatible peptidic modules are an opportunity to create tissue engineering scaffolds with a host of built-in functionalities.