Multilayered Hierarchical Capsules Providing Cell Adhesion Sites

Abstract

Liquified capsules featuring (i) an external shell by layer-by-layer assembly of poly­(l-lysine), alginate, and chitosan, and encapsulating (ii) surface functionalized poly­(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) microparticles were developed. We hypothesize that, while the liquified environment enhances the diffusion of essential molecules for cell survival, microparticles dispersed in the liquified core of capsules provide the physical support required for cellular functions of anchorage-dependent cells. The influence of the incorporation of PLL on the regime growth, thickness, and stability was analyzed. Results show a more resistant and thicker film with an exponential build-up growth regime. Moreover, capsules ability to support cell survival was assessed. Capsules containing microparticles revealed an enhanced biological outcome in cell metabolic activity and proliferation, suggesting their potential to boost the development of innovative biomaterial designs for bioencapsulation systems and tissue engineering products