Truly Nonionic Polymer Shells for the Encapsulation of Living Cells

Abstract

Engineering surfaces of living cells with natural or synthetic compounds can mediate intercellular communication and provide a protective barrier from hostile agents. We report on truly nonionic hydrogen‐bonded LbL coatings for cell surface engineering. These ultrathin, highly permeable polymer membranes are constructed on living cells without the cationic component typically employed to increase the stability of LbL coatings. Without the cytotoxic cationic PEI pre‐layer, the viability of encapsulated cells drastically increases to 94%, in contrast to 20% viability in electrostatically‐bonded LbL shells. Moreover, the long‐term growth of encapsulated cells is not affected, thus facilitating efficient function of protected cells in hostile environment.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 04, 2011
Source ID
10.1002/mabi.201100129

Entities

People

  • Irina Drachuk
  • Jessica L. Carter
  • Morley Stone
  • Nancy Kelley‐loughnane
  • Svetlana V Harbaugh
  • Vladimir V. Tsukruk

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Tags

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology