Multilayered Hierarchical Capsules Providing Cell Adhesion Sites

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.