The ability to provide
multiple functions within a single scaffold
biomaterial is a major goal in tissue engineering. Self-assembling
peptide-based hydrogels are gaining significant attention as three-dimensional
biomaterials because they provide a network of nanofibers similar
to the native extracellular matrix while allowing the presentation
of multiple biochemical cues for cell signaling. Herein, we combine
a positively charged peptide amphiphile (PA) and the negatively charged
synthetic polymer poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) to fabricate
hybrid hydrogels through supramolecular self-assembly. PSS/PA hydrogels
show rather high mechanical stiffness while being stable in buffered
environment. The sulfonate functionality in PSS promotes hydrogel
mineralization which can be controlled if undertaken in standard osteogenic
medium. Loading proteins with different charges in the hydrogels reveals
their ability to retain and sustain their release and indicates their
potential for the controlled delivery of growth factors. Human mesenchymal
stem cells encapsulated in PSS/PA hydrogels remain viable. The biomimetic
nanofibrous structure of the hydrogels, together with multiplexing
of bioactive signals, can provide a suitable environment for stem
cell differentiation
