Ice-Templated and Cross-Linked Amyloid Fibril Aerogel Scaffolds for Cell Growth

Biomacromolecules. 2017 Sep 11;18(9):2858-2865. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00792. Epub 2017 Aug 30.

Abstract

Amyloid fibrils prepared from β-lactoglobulin were used to form freeze-dried and cross-linked aerogels. By varying the fibril concentration and freezing gradient, it was possible to control the pore structure and elastic modulus of the aerogels within one order of magnitude from ∼20 to ∼200 kPa. Using butane tetracarboxylic acid as cross-linker, these aerogels maintained their monolithic shape under aqueous conditions, displaying elastic behavior and a modulus in the range of ∼4-40 kPa. When explored as scaffolds for cell growth, the amyloid fibril aerogels demonstrated biocompatibility and led to the successful penetration and permeation of two epithelial cell lines (Caco-2 and HT29) throughout the scaffold. These soft, elastic, and water-stable biomaterials expand the scope of amyloid fibril aerogels, making them suitable for wet-state applications such as heterogeneous catalysis, purification membranes, and 3D matrices for cell growth.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / chemistry*
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Carboxylic Acids / chemistry
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Elastic Modulus
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Ice
  • Lactoglobulins / chemistry
  • Tissue Scaffolds / adverse effects
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydrogels
  • Ice
  • Lactoglobulins