Ice-Templated and Cross-Linked Amyloid Fibril Aerogel Scaffolds for Cell Growth

摘要

Amyloid fibrils prepared from beta-lactoglobulin were used to form freeze-dried and cross-linked aerogels. By varying the fibril concentration and freezing gradient, it was possible to control the pore structure and elastic modulus of the aerogels within one order of magnitude from similar to 20 to similar to 200 kPa. Using butane tetracarboxylic acid as cross-linker, these aerogels maintained their monolithic shape under aqueous conditions, displaying elastic behavior and a modulus in the range of similar to 4-40 kPa. When explored as scaffolds for cell growth, the amyloid fibril aerogels demonstrated biocompatibility and led to the successful penetration and permeation of two epithelial cell lines (Caco-2 and HT29) throughout the scaffold. These soft, elastic, and water-stable biomaterials expand the scope of amyloid fibril aerogels, making them suitable for wet-state applications such as heterogeneous catalysis, purification membranes, and 3D matrices for cell growth.