Protein reservoirs from multi layers assembled onto PLLA and PCL films

Abstract

The recent demonstration by our group that layer-by-layer self-assembly (LbL) of polyelectrolytes multilayers like heparin (HEP) and chitosan (CHI) can be used as reservoirs loaded with cell signaling as fibroblasts growth factors (fibroblast growth factor, FGF) opens a great prospect of using them as devices for tissue engineering. The next level of investigation requires the self-assembly of these reservoirs in membranes of appropriate architecture for cell growth and implants. However, an intermediate and required stage is the study of the self-assembly of these multilayers onto polyesters films, where many techniques to monitor the self-assembly of multilayers are available for flat surfaces, but not for porous materials like the electrospun fibers. The aim is to demonstrate that these reservoirs can equally be self-assembled onto polymeric films of interest in the biomaterials area, like poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL). Considering this as a project for an undergraduate student, the proposal is limited to test the LbL onto films obtained by spin-coating, casting, or hot-press techniques. Furthermore, we will use the lysozyme (LYS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as models protein with acidic and basic character, respectively. Our goal will be to introduce this essential information for the development of new reservoirs of cell signaling and their use in tissue engineering. (AU)