This work was supported by the Singapore National Research Foundation administered by one of its Research Centers of Excellence, the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore. MFAC is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (Singapore) and National Agency for Research (France) joint program under project number 1122703037. BKKT is supported by the Mechanobiology Institute. We thank Mr. Daniel HC Wong for proof-reading the manuscript and Ms. Dawn JH Neo for assisting in the video production.

1. Preparation of Polyelectrolyte Solutions
<ol>
	<li>Purify chitosan, as detailed in Liao et al. Briefly, create a 1% (w/v) solution of chitosan in 2% (v/v) acetic acid and vacuum filter using grade 93 filter paper. Neutralize the filtrate using 5M NaOH until the pH stabilized to 7. Centrifuge the precipitated chitosan at 1,200 x g for 10 min. Decant the supernatant and add deionized water to wash the chitosan. Repeat the centrifugation and washing step two more times. Freeze the precipitated chitosan at -80 &#176;C and lyophilize O/N to obtain the purified form. Store purified chitosan in a dehumidified cabinet.</li>
	<li>Weigh out 1 g of purified chitosan into a sterile tissue culture dish. Place the chitosan in the tissue culture dish as close as possible to the UV lamp in the biological safety cabinet and expose to UV light for 15 min. Using sterile forceps, place the sterilized chitosan into a glass container. Dissolve chitosan using filtered 0.15M acetic acid to a final concentration between 0.5% and 1% (w/v).</li>
	<li>Weigh out 0.1 g of alginic acid sodium salt and dissolve in 10 ml distilled deionized (DDI) water to obtain a 1% (w/v) solution. Mix the alginic acid sodium salt for at least 2 hr on the vortex mixer to ensure complete dissolution. Filter the alginate solution through 0.2 &#181;m syringe filter. Store the alginate solution at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Reconstitute human recombinant growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or beta - nerve growth factor (NGF), as recommended by manufacturer.</li>
</ol>
2. Drawing of IPC Fibers
<ol>
	<li>Mix proteins, growth factors or other biomolecules into 10-20 &#181;l aliquot of the polyelectrolyte solution that has a similar net charge. Biological molecules with net negative charge (eg bovine serum albumin [BSA]) should be mixed with alginate solution. Biological molecules with net positive charge (eg VEGF) should be mixed with chitosan solution.</li>
	<li>Place small aliquots (10-20 &#181;l) of chitosan and alginate on a stable flat surface that is covered with parafilm. The droplets of chitosan and alginate should be placed in close proximity but not in contact with each other.</li>
	<li>Lightly dip each tip on a pair of forceps into the chitosan and alginate droplets. Bring the droplets of polyelectrolytes together by pinching the forceps. When the droplets come into contact with each other, slowly pull the forceps vertically upward to draw the IPC fiber from the interface of the two droplets (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Carefully place the end of the drawn IPC fiber on the forceps on a collector, such as a flat polymeric scaffold affixed on a rotating mandrel (see section 3 and 4). Rotate the mandrel at a fixed speed of 10 mm/sec to allow formation of uniform and beadless IPC fibers. Increasing the speed of drawing the IPC fibers will form beads, which will cause a burst release of incorporated biochemical and premature fiber termination.10</li>
	<li>To determine incorporation efficiency, collect all the remaining liquids left on the parafilm by diluting with 500 &#181;l of 1X phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Measure the protein or growth factor content in the residue through BCA assay (for BSA), ELISA (for VEGF and NGF) or an appropriate assay to detect incorporated biomolecule.</li>
</ol>
3. Fabrication of&#160;Composite&#160;Hydrogel Scaffold of Pullulan-Dextran (PD) Polysaccharide and IPC Fibers
<ol>
	<li>Fabricating sacrificial pullulan frame for IPC fiber collection
	<ol>
		<li>Weigh out pullulan polysaccharide and mix with distilled deionized (DDI) water to create a 20% (w/v) aqueous solution. Mix the pullulan solution O/N to ensure homogeneity.</li>
		<li>Cast 15 g of pullulan solution into a 10&#160;cm diameter tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dish. Dry the pullulan solution O/N at 37&#160;&#176;C. Cut the pullulan films into 7 mm x 7 mm square frames.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Preparing pullulan-dextran polysaccharide solution
	<ol>
		<li>Create a 30% (w/v) solution of the polysaccharides pullulan and dextran (3:1 ratio) in DDI water. Mix O/N to ensure homogeneity of the polysaccharide solution. Slowly add in sodium bicarbonate to the polysaccharide solution to achieve a final concentration of 20% (w/v). Mix O/N to ensure homogeneity of the solution. Store the polysaccharide solution at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Collecting IPC fibers on pullulan frame
	<ol>
		<li>Affix the sacrificial pullulan frame (section 3.1) using an alligator clip. Stick the alligator clip and pullulan frame on the end of the rotating mandrel using plastic-coated adhesive tape. Rotate the mandrel with the affixed frame at a constant speed of 10 mm/sec.&#160;The pullulan frame can be affixed onto the rotating mandrel in desired orientations.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Draw the IPC fibers using a pair of forceps (section 1) and attach the drawn end of the IPC fibers onto the rotating pullulan frame. Draw the IPC fibers at a constant speed. Upon reaching the terminal end of the IPC fiber, dry the fibers-on-frame construct O/N at RT.</li>
	<li>Embedding IPC fibers into PD hydrogel scaffold</li>
	<li>To crosslink every gram of pullulan-dextran solution, add 100 &#181;l of 11% (w/v) sodium trimetaphosphate aqueous solution and 100 &#181;l 10M sodium hydroxide.7 Mix the solution at 60 rpm using a stirplate for 1 to 2 min. After the addition of sodium trimetaphosphate and sodium hydroxide, the polysaccharide solution will crosslink almost immediately. Pour the viscous polysaccharide solution onto the fibers-on-frame construct to fully embed the IPC fibers. Incubate the combined pullulan-dextran-IPC fibers (PD-IPC) at 60 &#176;C for 30 min&#160;to form a chemically crosslinked composite scaffolds (Figure 1B).</li>
	<li>CAUTION: Perform step 3.3.2 in the fume hood and use proper protective equipment as acetic acid is a corrosive and flammable.</li>
	<li>To induce pore formation in the PD-IPC scaffold, submerge the whole scaffold in 20% (w/v) acetic acid for 20 min.</li>
	<li>Remove unreacted reagents by washing PD-IPC scaffolds in 1X PBS for 5 min&#160;while shaking at 100 rpm. Repeat this step 2 times.</li>
	<li>Remove the excess PBS and immediately freeze the PD-IPC scaffolds at -80 &#176;C O/N. Lyophilize the scaffolds at least 24 hr before use in any controlled release or bioactivity assays.</li>
</ol>
4. Fabrication of Composite Scaffold of PCL and IPC Fibers
CAUTION: Dichloromethane is a hazardous material. Use the fume hood and personal protective equipment when handling dichloromethane.&#160;
<ol>
	<li>Creating pristine and patterned PDMS substrates
	<ol>
		<li>Create a pristine polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric substrate using a piece of TCPS of desired dimension using soft lithography process. Create patterned PDMS substrates by using standard soft lithographic methods on poly(methyl methacrylate) templates with the desired topography.12</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Fabricating sacrificial PCL frame for IPC fiber collection
	<ol>
		<li>Weigh out PCL and dissolve in dichloromethane to create a 0.9% (w/v) solution. For every 1 cm2 area of the PDMS substrate, drop 500 &#181;l of 0.9% PCL solution. Allow all of the dichloromethane solvent to fully evaporate in the fume hood. Repeat the process of casting 0.9% PCL to thicken the film to the desired thickness. Remove the dried PCL film from the PDMS substrate. Create a hole in the PCL frame using a suitably-sized puncher.2</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Collecting IPC fibers on the PCL frame
	<ol>
		<li>Affix the sacrificial PCL frame with hole (from 4.2.1) on an alligator clip. Stick the alligator clip onto the rotating mandrel by using plastic-coated adhesive tape. Attach the drawn end of the IPC fiber onto the PCL frame before starting the rotation at a constant speed of 10mm/sec (section 2). After the end of IPC fiber drawing, dry the fiber-on-frame construct O/N at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Embedding fiber-on-frame construct into patterned PCL substrate
	<ol>
		<li>Drop 500 &#181;l of 0.9% PCL solution onto the PDMS substrate to create a pristine or patterned PCL base, as required. Cast multiple layers of 0.9% PCL solution to obtain a scaffold with the desired thickness. Allow all of the dichloromethane solvent to fully evaporate in the fume hood.</li>
		<li>Place the fiber-on-frame construct (section 4.3.1) on top of the PCL base. Add 0.9% PCL solution on the fiber-on-frame construct multiple times to get the desired thickness and fully embed the IPC fibers, fabricating a PCL-IPC composite scaffold (Figure 1C).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Measurement of Release of Biological Agents from Composite IPC Scaffolds
<ol>
	<li>Place composite PD-IPC or PCL-IPC scaffolds and stand-alone IPC fibers separately in a 24-well plate.</li>
	<li>Immerse the scaffold and stand-alone IPC fibers with 500 &#181;l of 1X PBS. Incubate the samples at 37 &#176;C. Collect PBS at various time points (release media) and replace with 500 &#181;l of 1X PBS.</li>
	<li>Measure the amount of protein or growth factor in the release media using a BCA assay (BSA), ELISA (VEGF and NGF) or other appropriate assay to calculate the cumulative release profile for the incorporated biomolecule.</li>
</ol>
6. Seeding of Cells on Composite IPC Scaffolds to Test Bioactivity of Released Biological Agents
<ol>
	<li>Sterilize the lyophilized PD-IPC or PCL-IPC composite scaffolds using UV light in the biological safety cabinet for at least 20 min.</li>
	<li>Use standard cell culture techniques to obtain a cell suspension of 2 x 105 cells in 200 &#181;l growth media. Seed the concentrated cell suspension onto the composite scaffolds. After 20 min, top-up the volume of growth media to fully submerge the scaffolds.</li>
	<li>Measure cell activity through standard techniques such as Alamar blue metabolic activity assay, PC12 neurite outgrowth assay or immunofluorescence.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Annabi, N., Tamayol, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=25th+Anniversary+Article:+Rational+design+and+applications+of+hydrogels+in+regenerative+medicine.">25th Anniversary Article: Rational design and applications of hydrogels in regenerative medicine.</a> Adv. Mater. 26 (1), 85-124 (2014).</li><li>Teo, B. K. K., Tan, G. D. S., Yim, E. K. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+synergistic+effect+of+nanotopography+and+sustained+dual+release+of+hydrophobic+and+hydrophilic+neurotrophic+factors+on+human+mesenchymal+stem+cell+neuronal+lineage+commitment.">The synergistic effect of nanotopography and sustained dual release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic neurotrophic factors on human mesenchymal stem cell neuronal lineage commitment.</a> Tissue Eng. Part A. 20 (15-16), 2151-2161 (2014).</li><li>Lee, K., Silva, E. A., Mooney, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Growth+factor+delivery-based+tissue+engineering:+general+approaches+and+a+review+of+recent+developments.">Growth factor delivery-based tissue engineering: general approaches and a review of recent developments.</a> J. R. Soc. Interface. 8 (55), 153-170 (2011).</li><li>Sun, Q., Chen, R. R., Shen, Y., Mooney, D. J., Rajagopalan, S., Grossman, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sustained+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor+delivery+enhances+angiogenesis+and+perfusion+in+ischemic+hind+limb.">Sustained vascular endothelial growth factor delivery enhances angiogenesis and perfusion in ischemic hind limb.</a> Pharm. Res. 22 (7), 1110-1116 (2005).</li><li>Rui, J., Dadsetan, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Controlled+release+of+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor+using+poly-lactic-co-glycolic+acid+microspheres:+in+vitro+characterization+and+application+in+polycaprolactone+fumarate+nerve+conduits.">Controlled release of vascular endothelial growth factor using poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres: in vitro characterization and application in polycaprolactone fumarate nerve conduits.</a> Acta Biomater. 8 (2), 511-518 (2012).</li><li>King, T. W., Patrick, C. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+in+vitro+characterization+of+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor+(VEGF)-loaded+poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic+acid)/poly(ethylene+glycol)+microspheres+using+a+solid+encapsulation/single+emulsion/solvent+extraction+technique.">Development and in vitro characterization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) microspheres using a solid encapsulation/single emulsion/solvent extraction technique.</a> J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 51 (3), 383-390 (2000).</li><li>Cutiongco, M. F. A., Tan, M. H., Ng, M. Y. K., Le Visage, C., Yim, E. K. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Composite+pullulan-dextran+polysaccharide+scaffold+with+interfacial+polyelectrolyte+complexation+fibers:+A+platform+with+enhanced+cell+interaction+and+spatial+distribution.">Composite pullulan-dextran polysaccharide scaffold with interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers: A platform with enhanced cell interaction and spatial distribution.</a> Acta Biomater. 10 (10), 4410-4418 (2014).</li><li>Yow, S. Z., Quek, C. H., Yim, E. K. F., Lim, C. T., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Collagen-based+fibrous+scaffold+for+spatial+organization+of+encapsulated+and+seeded+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells.">Collagen-based fibrous scaffold for spatial organization of encapsulated and seeded human mesenchymal stem cells.</a> Biomaterials. 30 (6), 1133-1142 (2009).</li><li>Yim, E. K. F., Wan, A. C. A., Le Visage, C., Liao, I. C., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Proliferation+and+differentiation+of+human+mesenchymal+stem+cell+encapsulated+in+polyelectrolyte+complexation+fibrous+scaffold.">Proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell encapsulated in polyelectrolyte complexation fibrous scaffold.</a> Biomaterials. 27 (36), 6111-6122 (2006).</li><li>Liao, I. C., Wan, A. C., Yim, E. K. F., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Controlled+release+from+fibers+of+polyelectrolyte+complexes.">Controlled release from fibers of polyelectrolyte complexes.</a> J. Control. Release. 104 (2), 347-358 (2005).</li><li>Wan, A. C. A., Liao, I. C., Yim, E. K. F., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanism+of+fiber+formation+by+interfacial+polyelectrolyte+complexation.">Mechanism of fiber formation by interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation.</a> Macromolecules. 37 (18), 7019-7025 (2004).</li><li>Yim, E. K. F., Reano, R., Pang, S., Yee, A., Chen, C., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nanopattern-induced+changes+in+morphology+and+motility+of+smooth+muscle+cells.">Nanopattern-induced changes in morphology and motility of smooth muscle cells.</a> Biomaterials. 26 (26), 5405-5413 (2005).</li><li>Sun, H., Xu, F., Guo, D., Yu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preparation+and+evaluation+of+NGF-microsphere+conduits+for+regeneration+of+defective+nerves.">Preparation and evaluation of NGF-microsphere conduits for regeneration of defective nerves.</a> Neurol. Res. 34 (5), 491-497 (2012).</li><li>Sim&#243;n-Yarza, T., Formiga, F. R., Tamayo, E., Pelacho, B., Prosper, F., Blanco-Prieto, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PEGylated-PLGA+microparticles+containing+VEGF+for+long+term+drug+delivery.">PEGylated-PLGA microparticles containing VEGF for long term drug delivery.</a> Int. J. Pharm. 440 (1), 13-18 (2013).</li><li>Patel, Z. S., Ueda, H., Yamamoto, M., Tabata, Y., Mikos, A. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+and+in+vivo+release+of+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor+from+gelatin+microparticles+and+biodegradable+composite+scaffolds.">In vitro and in vivo release of vascular endothelial growth factor from gelatin microparticles and biodegradable composite scaffolds.</a> Pharm. Res. 25 (10), 2370-2378 (2008).</li><li>Sun, H., Xu, F., Guo, D., Liu, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+evaluation+of+the+effects+of+various+additives+and+polymers+on+nerve+growth+factor+microspheres.">In vitro evaluation of the effects of various additives and polymers on nerve growth factor microspheres.</a> Drug Dev. Int. Pharm. 40 (4), 452-457 (2014).</li><li>Lee, P. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Kinetics+of+drug+release+from+hydrogel+matrices.">Kinetics of drug release from hydrogel matrices.</a> J. Control. Release. 2, 277-288 (1985).</li><li>Cutiongco, M. F. A., Choo, R. K. T., Shen, N. J. X., Chua, B. M. X., Sju, E., Choo, A. W. L., Le Visage, C., Yim, E. K. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Composite+scaffold+of+poly(vinyl+alcohol)+and+interfacial+polyelectrolyte+complexation+fibers+for+controlled+biomolecule+delivery.">Composite scaffold of poly(vinyl alcohol) and interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers for controlled biomolecule delivery.</a> Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 3 (3), 1-12 (2015).</li><li>Yow, S. Z., Lim, T. H., Yim, E. K. F., Lim, C. T., Leong, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+3D+Electroactive+Polypyrrole-Collagen+Fibrous+Scaffold+for+Tissue+Engineering.">A 3D Electroactive Polypyrrole-Collagen Fibrous Scaffold for Tissue Engineering.</a> Polymers. 3 (1), 527-544 (2011).</li><li>Leong, M. F., Toh, J. K. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patterned+prevascularised+tissue+constructs+by+assembly+of+polyelectrolyte+hydrogel+fibres.">Patterned prevascularised tissue constructs by assembly of polyelectrolyte hydrogel fibres.</a> Nat. Commun. 4, 2353 (2013).</li><li>Di Benedetto, F., Biasco, A., Pisignano, D., Cingolani, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patterning+polyacrylamide+hydrogels+by+soft+lithography.">Patterning polyacrylamide hydrogels by soft lithography.</a> Nanotechnology. 16 (5), S165 (2005).</li><li>Revzin, A., Russell, R. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fabrication+of+poly(ethylene+glycol)+hydrogel+microstructures+using+photolithography.">Fabrication of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel microstructures using photolithography.</a> Langmuir. 17 (18), 5440-5447 (2001).</li><li>Yim, E. K. F., Liao, I. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tissue+compatibility+of+interfacial+polyelectrolyte+complexation+fibrous+scaffold:+evaluation+of+blood+compatibility+and+biocompatibility.">Tissue compatibility of interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibrous scaffold: evaluation of blood compatibility and biocompatibility.</a> Tissue Eng. Part A. 13 (2), 423-433 (2007).</li><li>Chaouat, M., Le Visage, C., Autissier, A., Chaubet, F., Letourneur, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+evaluation+of+a+small-diameter+polysaccharide-based+arterial+graft+in+rats.">The evaluation of a small-diameter polysaccharide-based arterial graft in rats.</a> Biomaterials. 27, 5546-5553 (2006).</li><li>Eshraghi, S., Das, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanical+and+microstructural+properties+of+polycaprolactone+scaffolds+with+one-dimensional,+two+dimensional,+and+three-dimensional+orthogonally+oriented+porous+architectures+produced+by+selective+laser+sintering.">Mechanical and microstructural properties of polycaprolactone scaffolds with one-dimensional, two dimensional, and three-dimensional orthogonally oriented porous architectures produced by selective laser sintering.</a> Acta Biomater. 6, 2467-2476 (2010).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

IPC fibers are formed by the interaction of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The process utilizes the extraction of the complex from the interface of the polyelectrolytes, facilitating a self-assembly process for stable fiber formation. The mechanism of IPC fiber formation ensures that any biomolecule added into a similarly charged polyelectrolyte can be incorporated during the complexation process.10,11 Conversely, addition of a biomolecule into the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte will result in instantaneous precipitation. The simple fabrication methodology for IPC fibers lends versatility in incorporating various biological materials such as cells, growth factors and small molecules. This critical feature of IPC fibers was also observed in both the PD-IPC and PCL-IPC composite scaffolds, where growth factors with different physical and biomolecular properties (charge and molecular weight) were incorporated with high efficiency. In contrast, encapsulation efficiency using microsphere methodologies for VEGF and NGF can be as low as 16%6 and 8%13, respectively.
Both PD-IPC and PCL-IPC scaffolds also demonstrated temporal control of biomolecule release. VEGF from PD-IPC scaffolds showed linear release for at least 7 days. In contrast, reported VEGF release profiles from polymeric microspheres showed an initial burst release within 24 hr, releasing at least 60% of the total VEGF content.5,14,15 Similarly, NGF was shown to have sustained growth factor delivery from PCL-IPC scaffolds, while other polymeric-based growth factor delivery systems show a plateau of release from 20 days of release.13,16 Presumably, the different components of the composite scaffolds both contribute to growth factor release kinetics. Polymer relaxation mechanisms, porosity and tortuosity can greatly affect the release of hydrophilic biomolecules.17 In addition, the chemical characteristics of the polymeric scaffold may have electrostatic attraction and repulsion towards the growth factors that affects biomolecule release. Thus, the characteristics of the polymeric scaffold are critical in determining release profiles and biomolecules with temporally-controlled release. For instance, while the PD scaffold showed near-linear BSA release, a similar composite scaffold using poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel lacked permeability to BSA.18 Polymeric scaffolds that can be used in combination with IPC fibers may require preliminary testing to determine its permeability range.
In addition to controlled biochemical release, the capacity to retain the bioactivity of growth factors is an important feature for any biomolecule delivery system. The harsh alkaline environment of the PD solution and the presence of organic DCM solvent in PCL have the potential to degrade any sort of biomolecules. For example, microsphere delivery system that used dichloromethane showed a consistent trend of diminishing bioactivity with increasing timepoint due to the degradation of NGF.16 Nonetheless, we observed that the bioactivity of VEGF and NGF is maintained, further reiterating that a key advantage of IPC fibers are assimilated within the composite scaffolds.
The use of a sacrificial, biocompatible polysaccharide or polymeric frame that can be easily incorporated into the bulk scaffold gives the versatility to create a composite scaffold with multiple IPC fibers aligned in different configurations.7 Thus, it is necessary that the polymeric scaffolds to be applied with IPC fibers have the capacity for further assimilation into a bulk scaffold. The assimilation process is important in fully embedding IPC fibers into the polymeric scaffold. We observed this phenomenon in the sacrificial pullulan and PCL frames, which were both easily dissolved in the solvent of the bulk PD or PCL scaffold. Furthermore, the single-step method for IPC fabrication and biomolecule incorporation gives flexibility to the number of biomolecules that can be delivered by a single composite scaffold. The simplicity of the methodology also allows fine-tuning of the incorporation efficiency and release kinetics by changing polyelectrolyte identity or concentration. The natural polyelectrolytes chitosan and alginate were used due to its high charge density and similarity to various ECM carbohydrates found in animal tissues. Yet methylated collagen and terpolymer8,19 or chitin and alginate20 may also be used for IPC fiber formation to varying effects. Multiple IPC fibers release different biochemical cues with different kinetics can also be achieved to create a multi-functional composite scaffold. For example, extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin loaded into IPC fibers may provide a platform for spatially controlled cell adhesion.7 Sustained release of antibiotics and growth factors are also desirable for tissue regeneration applications. This may be possible by using PCL-IPC, which can incorporate hydrophobic, small molecule drugs and hydrophilic, protein-based growth factors in different compartments of the composite scaffold.2
Our presented methodology also permitted the fabrication of a scaffold with both topographical and biochemical cues. We observed that the NP-PCL-IPC scaffold had the highest enhancement of hMSC differentiation into the neuronal lineage, implying that mimicking multiple aspects of the biophysical and biochemical cellular niche is beneficial in directing cell behavior. The ease of the presented methodology permits its application to other patternable polymeric systems such as polyacrylamide21 or polyethylene glycol22, provided that the crosslinking process will not significantly affect IPC fiber integrity. For example, PD scaffolds were chosen in this study for its unique crosslinking mechanism that occurs in ambient and aqueous conditions.24 This can potentially provide more physiologically relevant substrates for in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, embedding IPC fibers in a composite scaffold can overcome the lack of mechanical strength of IPC fibers23 by providing tensile strength. Indeed, PCL25 was chosen for its high mechanical strength.
In summary, a simple method for creating composite scaffolds for biomolecule delivery was described. We demonstrated how IPC fibers can be used for sustained delivery of biomolecules without compromising its bioactivity and the incorporation efficiency. We showed this by creating composite scaffolds with two variations: PD-IPC and PCL-IPC scaffolds. Applicability of IPC fibers is not limited to incorporation in PD- and PCL-based scaffolds, but can be potentially extended to other polymeric systems and to deliver other biomolecules.

The extracellular matrix has inherent biochemical and biophysical cues that direct cell behaviors. Mimicking this physiological three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is a widely explored strategy for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. For example, both naturally-derived and synthetic substrates have been modified with topographical cues as a means to mimic the biophysical cellular environment.1 For example, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds can be easily patterned by casting on patterned PDMS substrates.2 However, most synthetic scaffolds inadequately recapitulate the controlled biochemical environment in vivo. Bulk or surface modification of synthetic materials only present biochemical cues for cell attachment but still lack temporal regulation of biochemical delivery.3 Thus, there is a need for optimal scaffolds that can mimic the temporally regulated biochemical delivery system of the extracellular matrix. 
Biochemical delivery systems such as microspheres are plagued by problems of loss of bioactivity and low incorporation efficiency due to the severity and complexity of multi-step synthesis process.4-6 Alternative methods that use a one-step fabrication and incorporation method were proven to have excellent potential to create a favorable biochemical microenvironment without the accompanying inefficiency in incorporation and loss of bioactivity. One viable solution is the use of interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers to deliver and protect biological agents. When two oppositely charged polyelectrolyte aqueous solutions are brought together, IPC fibers can be drawn out from the interface. Virtually any type of hydrophlic biomolecule in aqueous solution can be added into either the negatively- or positively-charged polyelectrolyte solution, thus facilitating the incorporation of useful biomolecules into the IPC fiber during the complexation process. Furthermore, this process only requires aqueous and ambient conditions, thereby decreasing the risk of loss of bioactivity. Using this method, active growth factors2,7 even cells8,9 have been successfully delivered. In addition, the simple method of forming IPC fibers allows molding into any shape or orientation. The stability of such fibers has been advantageous in its incorporation into both hydrophobic2 and hydrophilic polymers7 to create composite scaffolds. These composite scaffolds with IPC fibers are beneficial for creating a physiologically relevant biochemical environment while providing physical anchorage for cells. 
In this study, we show a method to incorporate IPC fibers into a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic scaffold with topography for controlled release of active biomolecules. As a proof-of-concept, we incorporate IPC fibers made from chitosan and alginate into the biocompatible, non-immunogenic and non-antigenic pullulan-dextran hydrophilic hydrogel or the biocompatible polycaprolactone hydrophobic scaffold.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Pullulan&#160;</td>
			<td>Hayashibara Inc Okayama Japan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Molecular weight (MW) 200 kDa. This material is pharmaceutical grade pullulan used to make pullulan frames and PD-IPC scaffolds.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dextran</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>D1037</td>
			<td>MW 500 kDa. This material is no longer being produced by Sigma Aldrich. Alternative suggested is catalog number 31392 (Sigma Aldrich). This material is used to make PD-IPC scaffolds.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Bicarbonate&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>S5761</td>
			<td>Sodium bicarbonate must be slowly added to the pullulan-dextran polysaccharide solution. Rapid addition of sodium bicarbonate will result in precipitation.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Trimetaphosphate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>T5508</td>
			<td>This chemical is hygroscopic and must be stored in the dehumidifying cabinet. Aqueous solution of sodium trimetaphosphate must always be made fresh.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Hydroxide</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>S5881</td>
			<td>This material is hazardous and must be handled with proper protective equipment such as nitrile gloves.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chitosan</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>448877</td>
			<td>MW 190-310 kDa. Acetylation degree of 75 to 85%. Purification of chitosan is required to create stable IPC fibers.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetic Acid</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>This can be replaced by another brand type. This material is corrosive and flammable. Protective equipment such as face shield, nitrile gloves, lab coat and shoe cover must be worn when handling this chemical in the fume hood.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alginic acid sodium salt from brown algae, low viscosity</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>A2158</td>
			<td>Dissolve in water overnight. Filter through sterile 0.2&#181;m syringe filter before use. Store at 4 &#176;C.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine Serum Albumin</td>
			<td>Sinopharm Chemical Reagent</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Dissolve in sterile PBS and filter using 0.2 &#181;m syringe filter before use.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BCA assay kit</td>
			<td>Pierce</td>
			<td>23225</td>
			<td>This kit was used to measure BSA release from PD-IPC scaffolds.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor</td>
			<td>R&#38;D systems</td>
			<td>293-VE</td>
			<td>Dissolve growth factor in 0.2% heparin solution to a final concentration of 5 mg/ml.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin Sodium Salt From Porcine</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>H3393</td>
			<td>This can be replaced by another brand type. Dissolve heparin salt in sterile water at a final concentration of 1% and filter through 0.2 &#181;m syringe filter before use.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)</td>
			<td>Lonza</td>
			<td>C2517A</td>
			<td>This primary cell type was used in the assay to determine VEGF bioactivity after release from PD-IPC scaffolds.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alamar blue</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>DAL1025</td>
			<td>This is used to measure cell metabolic activity. Incubate Alamar blue with cells and maintain in standard cell culture conditions for 2 to 4 hours. Measure absorbance at 570 nm to determine Alamar blue percent reduction, which is correlated to the cell activity.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ScanVac Coolsafe Lyophilizer</td>
			<td>Labogene</td>
			<td>7.001.200.060</td>
			<td>This is a non-programmable freeze dryer that operates at -105 to -110 &#176;C, This can be replaced by other standard lab lyophilizers.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polycaprolactone (PCL)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>181609</td>
			<td>MW 65 kDa. This is no longer being manufactured by Sigma Aldrich. This can be replaced by Sigma Aldrich catalog number 704105.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichloromethane</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>V800151</td>
			<td>This can be replaced by another brand type. This material is hazardous and must be handled in the fume hood. Protective equipment must be worn at all times when handling this chemical.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS; 184 Silicone Elastomer Kit)</td>
			<td>Dow Corning</td>
			<td>(240)4019862</td>
			<td>The elastomer kit comes with polymer base and crosslinker. Mixing the polymer base and crosslinker in different ratios will result in different stiffness of the PDMS.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Recombinant Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)</td>
			<td>R&#38;D systems</td>
			<td>256-GF</td>
			<td>Reconstituted in sterile DI water to a final concentration of 100 &#181;g/ml. Aliquot and store in -20 &#176;C until use.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC)</td>
			<td>Cambrex</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>This cell type was used in the assay to determine synergistic effect of NGF and nanotopography.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rat PC12 Pheochromocytoma Cells&#160;</td>
			<td>ATCC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>This cell type was used in the neurite outgrowth assay to determine bioactivity of NGF. After exposure to release media with NGF, measure number of cells with neurite extensions and normalize to total number of cells.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Grade 93 filter paper</td>
			<td>Whatman</td>
			<td>Z699675</td>
			<td>This is used for the purification of chitosan after its precipitation with sodium hydroxide at pH 7.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Swing bucket centrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>5810R</td>
			<td>To be used during the purification of chitosan using 1200 x g speed.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Motor with mandrel rotating at constant speed</td>
			<td>Rhymebus</td>
			<td>RM5E</td>
			<td>The motor is used for the fabrication of IPC fibers on pullulan or PCL frame.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate buffered saline</td>
			<td>FirstBase</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Sterilize through filtration (0.2 &#181;m filter) and autoclave.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10-mm diameter Tissue Culture Polystyrene Dish (TCPS)</td>
			<td>Greiner</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>The TCPS dish is used for casting of pullulan frame.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human VEGF ELISA kit</td>
			<td>R&#38;D systems</td>
			<td>DVE00</td>
			<td>The ELISA kit is used for detection of VEGF in the release medium.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human NGF ELISA kit</td>
			<td>R&#38;D systems</td>
			<td>DY256</td>
			<td>&#160;The ELISA kit is used for detection of NGF in the release medium.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic Coated Adhesive Tape</td>
			<td>Bel-Art</td>
			<td>9040336</td>
			<td>The adhesive tape is used to securely stick the alligator clip to the rotating mandrel</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

composite scaffolds of interfacial polyelectrolyte fibers for temporally controlled release of biomolecules

Various scaffolds used in tissue engineering require a controlled biochemical environment to mimic the physiological cell niche. Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers can be used for controlled delivery of various biological agents such as small molecule drugs, cells, proteins and growth factors. The simplicity of the methodology in making IPC fibers gives flexibility in its application for controlled biomolecule delivery. Here, we describe a method of incorporating IPC fibers into two different polymeric scaffolds, hydrophilic polysaccharide and hydrophobic polycaprolactone, to create a multi-component composite scaffold. We showed that IPC fibers can be easily embedded into these polymeric structures, enhancing the capability for sustained release and improved preservation of biomolecules. We also created a composite polymeric scaffold with topographical cues and sustained biochemical release that can have synergistic effects on cell behavior. Composite polymeric scaffolds with IPC fibers represent a novel and simple method of recreating the cellular niche.

In this article, we sought to create composite scaffolds with IPC fibers for the sustained release of various biomolecules. Characteristics of the biomolecules used in this study are found in Table 1. IPC fibers were first embedded into a hydrophilic PD hydrogel to create a PD-IPC composite scaffold (Figure 1B). Model molecule BSA was first tested to determine the feasibility of using a composite scaffold for controlled biomolecule release. BSA was incorporated into PD-IPC scaffolds with an efficiency of 45 &#177; 0.97%. BSA released from the PD-IPD showed near-linear kinetics with an initial attenuated burst release followed by a concomitant steady state (Figure 2). After 2 months, BSA achieved a total release of 97%. In contrast, standalone IPC fibers exhibited a rapid release of 80% of BSA within 4 hr.
Next, we checked the release profile and bioactivity of VEGF using PD-IPC scaffolds. VEGF was incorporated with an efficiency of 75.5 &#177; 2.7%, and showed a sustained release for at least 1 week (Figure 3A). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded on the PD-IPC scaffolds to determine the bioactivity of VEGF. HUVECs on the PD-IPC scaffolds showed a significant increase in Alamar blue reduction and metabolic activity compared with plain PD scaffolds at day 1, indicating good preservation of VEGF function after being released from PD-IPC scaffolds (Figure 3B). Alamar blue reduction at days 3, 6 and 7 decreased to achieve comparable levels with the plain PD scaffold (Figure 3B).
The PCL-IPC composite scaffolds were also tested for controlled release and compared with standalone IPC fibers. We incorporated NGF as a representative molecule into the PCL-IPC composite scaffolds with an incorporation efficiency of 66.38 &#177; 2.71%. PCL-IPC composite scaffolds showed linear sustained release and approximately 80% cumulative release after 18 days (Figure 4A). On the other hand, IPC stand-alone fiber showed a 70% burst release within 24 hr followed by a stagnant release rate. Using a PC12 neurite outgrowth assay, we examined the bioactivity of the released NGF (Figure 4B). The neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells grown on PCL-IPC composite scaffold release media showed similar levels with PC12 cells cultured in 30 ng/ml NGF supplemented media. This indicates that the released NGF remained bioactive for at least 7 days.
Combination of topography and sustained growth factor delivery may mimic the cellular microenvironment better. The versatile methodology of PCL-IPC fabrication allowed the fabrication of a biochemically- and topographically-controlled composite scaffold. We fabricated a PCL-IPC composite scaffold with nano-sized gratings structure (NP-PCL-IPC scaffold). We observed the synergistic effect of topography and sustained NGF release by assessing neuronal differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) (Figure 5). hMSCs cultured on the NP-PCL-IPC composite scaffolds showed higher expression of the Microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), indicative of neuronal differentiation. On the other hand, MAP2 protein expression was substantially lower in hMSCs cultured on PCL-IPC with only NGF release or patterned PCL (NP-PCL).
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Incorporation of IPC fibers into hydrophilic and hydrophobic scaffolds. (A) Drawing of IPC fibers at the interface of positively (chitosan) and negatively (alginate) charged polyelectrolyte solutions. (B) Schematic diagram showing incorporation of IPC fibers in hydrophilic PD solution to create PD-IPC composite scaffold. (C) Schematic diagram showing incorporation of IPC fibers in hydrophobic PCL scaffold to create PCL-IPC composite scaffold. This figure is adapted from Cutiongco et al., 2014.7 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2. Controlled release of BSA from PD-IPC composite scaffold. BSA was incorporated into PD-IPC composite scaffolds and its release was measured at various time points using BCA assay. Cumulative BSA released is provided as a percentage of the total amount of BSA (in &#181;g) incorporated in the IPC fibers and are presented as mean percentage &#177; standard deviation. This figure is adapted from Cutiongco et al., 2014.7 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" src="/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3. Controlled release and bioactivity of VEGF from PD-IPC composite scaffold. (A) Cumulative release profile of VEGF from PD-IPC composite scaffolds. VEGF release was measured at various time points using ELISA specific for VEGF. (B) Cell viability of endothelial cells grown on PD-IPC composite scaffolds, as measured by Alamar blue metabolic assay. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey&#8217;s post-hoc test. *denotes p &#60; 0.05. This figure is adapted from Cutiongco et al., 2014.7 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" src="/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig4.jpg" /> 
Figure 4. Controlled release and bioactivity of NGF from PCL-IPC composite scaffold. (A) Cumulative release profile of NGF from PCL-IPC composite scaffolds. NGF release was measured at various time points using ELISA specific for NGF. Insert shows cumulative release profile of NGF from PCL-IPC scaffold for the first 8 hr. (B) Bioactivity of NGF as measured by outgrowth of PC12 neural cells. PC12 outgrowth was measured through image analysis. This figure is adapted from Teo et al., 2014.2 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig4large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 5" src="/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig5.jpg" /> 
Figure 5. Differentiation of hMSC on NP-PCL-IPC scaffold. Confocal scanning microscopy image of hMSC cultured on different composite scaffolds. (A) NP-PCL-IPC, (B) NP-PCL, (C) PCL-IPC, (D) Pristine PCL scaffolds. Green stain denotes MAP2, a neuronal lineage marker. Red stain denotes F-actin, showing the cellular cytoskeleton. Blue stain denotes the nucleus. This figure is adapted from Teo et al., 2014.2 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53079/53079fig5large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Table 1. Characteristics of biochemicals used for controlled release from composite IPC scaffolds.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules at JoVE.com

Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules

Scaffolds for tissue engineering need to recapitulate the complex biochemical and biophysical microenvironment of the cellular niche. Here, we show the use of interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers as a platform to create composite, multi-component polymeric scaffolds with sustained biochemical release.

Various scaffolds used in tissue engineering require a controlled biochemical environment to mimic the physiological cell niche. Interfacial ...

composite-scaffolds-interfacial-polyelectrolyte-fibers-for-temporally

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

8.3K Views.  National University of Singapore. Scaffolds for tissue engineering need to recapitulate the complex biochemical and biophysical microenvironment of the cellular niche. Here, we show the use of interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers as a platform to create composite, multi-component polymeric scaffolds with sustained biochemical release.

Video: Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules

Elastomeric PGS Scaffolds in Arterial Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of mortality in the US and especially, coronary artery disease increases with an aging population and increasing obesity1. Currently, bypass surgery using autologous vessels, allografts, and synthetic grafts are known as a commonly used for arterial substitutes2. However, these grafts have limited applications when an inner diameter of arteries is less than 6 mm due to low availability, thrombotic complications, compliance mismatch, and late intimal hyperplasia3,4. To overcome these limitations, tissue engineering has been successfully applied as a promising alternative to develop small-diameter arterial constructs that are nonthrombogenic, robust, and compliant. Several previous studies have developed small-diameter arterial constructs with tri-lamellar structure, excellent mechanical properties and burst pressure comparable to native arteries5,6. While high tensile strength and burst pressure by increasing collagen production from a rigid material or cell sheet scaffold, these constructs still had low elastin production and compliance, which is a major problem to cause graft failure after implantation. Considering these issues, we hypothesized that an elastometric biomaterial combined with mechanical conditioning would provide elasticity and conduct mechanical signals more efficiently to vascular cells, which increase extracellular matrix production and support cellular orientation.
The objective of this report is to introduce a fabrication technique of porous tubular scaffolds and a dynamic mechanical conditioning for applying them to arterial tissue engineering. We used a biodegradable elastomer, poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS)7 for fabricating porous tubular scaffolds from the salt fusion method. Adult primary baboon smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were seeded on the lumen of scaffolds, which cultured in our designed pulsatile flow bioreactor for 3 weeks. PGS scaffolds had consistent thickness and randomly distributed macro- and micro-pores. Mechanical conditioning from pulsatile flow bioreactor supported SMC orientation and enhanced ECM production in scaffolds. These results suggest that elastomeric scaffolds and mechanical conditioning of bioreactor culture may be a promising method for arterial tissue engineering.

Elastomeric PGS scaffolds with vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in a pulsatile flow bioreactor may lead to promising small-diameter arterial constructs with native ECM production in a relatively short culture period.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of mortality in the US and especially, coronary artery disease increases with an aging population and ...

Preparation of 3D Fibrin Scaffolds for Stem Cell Culture Applications

Stem cells are found in naturally occurring 3D microenvironments in vivo, which are often referred to as the stem cell niche 1. Culturing stem cells inside of 3D biomaterial scaffolds provides a way to accurately mimic these microenvironments, providing an advantage over traditional 2D culture methods using polystyrene as well as a method for engineering replacement tissues 2. While 2D tissue culture polystrene has been used for the majority of cell culture experiments, 3D biomaterial scaffolds can more closely replicate the microenvironments found in vivo by enabling more accurate establishment of cell polarity in the environment and possessing biochemical and mechanical properties similar to soft tissue.3 A variety of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterial scaffolds have been investigated as 3D environments for supporting stem cell growth. While synthetic scaffolds can be synthesized to have a greater range of mechanical and chemical properties and often have greater reproducibility, natural biomaterials are often composed of proteins and polysaccharides found in the extracelluar matrix and as a result contain binding sites for cell adhesion and readily support cell culture. Fibrin scaffolds, produced by polymerizing the protein fibrinogen obtained from plasma, have been widely investigated for a variety of tissue engineering applications both in vitro and in vivo 4. Such scaffolds can be modified using a variety of methods to incorporate controlled release systems for delivering therapeutic factors 5. Previous work has shown that such scaffolds can be used to successfully culture embryonic stem cells and this scaffold-based culture system can be used to screen the effects of various growth factors on the differentiation of the stem cells seeded inside 6,7.
 This protocol details the process of polymerizing fibrin scaffolds from fibrinogen solutions using the enzymatic activity of thrombin. The process takes 2 days to complete, including an overnight dialysis step for the fibrinogen solution to remove citrates that inhibit polymerization. These detailed methods rely on fibrinogen concentrations determined to be optimal for embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell culture. Other groups have further investigated fibrin scaffolds for a wide range of cell types and applications - demonstrating the versatility of this approach 8-12.

This work details the preparation of 3D fibrin scaffolds for culturing and differentiating plutipotent stem cells. Such scaffolds can be used to screen the effects of various biological compounds on stem cell behavior as well as modified to contain drug delivery systems.

Stem cells are found in naturally occurring 3D microenvironments in vivo, which are often referred to as the stem cell niche 1. Culturing stem cells ...

Non-contact, Label-free Monitoring of Cells and Extracellular Matrix using Raman Spectroscopy

Non-destructive, non-contact and label-free technologies to monitor cell and tissue cultures are needed in the field of biomedical research.1-5 However, currently available routine methods require processing steps and alter sample integrity. Raman spectroscopy is a fast method that enables the measurement of biological samples without the need for further processing steps. This laser-based technology detects the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light.6 As every chemical vibration is assigned to a specific Raman band (wavenumber in cm-1), each biological sample features a typical spectral pattern due to their inherent biochemical composition.7-9 Within Raman spectra, the peak intensities correlate with the amount of the present molecular bonds.1 Similarities and differences of the spectral data sets can be detected by employing a multivariate analysis (e.g. principal component analysis (PCA)).10
Here, we perform Raman spectroscopy of living cells and native tissues. Cells are either seeded on glass bottom dishes or kept in suspension under normal cell culture conditions (37 &deg;C, 5% CO2) before measurement. Native tissues are dissected and stored in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 4 &deg;C prior measurements. Depending on our experimental set up, we then either focused on the cell nucleus or extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as elastin and collagen. For all studies, a minimum of 30 cells or 30 random points of interest within the ECM are measured. Data processing steps included background subtraction and normalization.

Raman spectroscopy is a suitable technique for the non-contact, label-free analysis of living cells, tissue-engineered constructs and native tissues. Source-specific spectral fingerprints can be generated and analyzed using multivariate analysis.

Non-destructive, non-contact and label-free technologies to monitor cell and tissue cultures are needed in the field of biomedical research.1-5 However, ...

Self-reporting Scaffolds for 3-Dimensional Cell Culture

Culturing cells in 3D on appropriate scaffolds is thought to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment and increase cell-cell interactions. The resulting 3D cellular construct can often be more relevant to studying the molecular events and cell-cell interactions than similar experiments studied in 2D. To create effective 3D cultures with high cell viability throughout the scaffold the culture conditions such as oxygen and pH need to be carefully controlled as gradients in analyte concentration can exist throughout the 3D construct. Here we describe the methods of preparing biocompatible pH responsive sol-gel nanosensors and their incorporation into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun scaffolds along with their subsequent preparation for the culture of mammalian cells. The pH responsive scaffolds can be used as tools to determine microenvironmental pH within a 3D cellular construct. Furthermore, we detail the delivery of pH responsive nanosensors to the intracellular environment of mammalian cells whose growth was supported by electrospun PLGA scaffolds. The cytoplasmic location of the pH responsive nanosensors can be utilized to monitor intracellular pH (pHi) during ongoing experimentation.

Biocompatible pH responsive sol-gel nanosensors can be incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun scaffolds. The produced self-reporting scaffolds can be used for in&#160;situ monitoring of microenvironmental conditions whilst culturing cells upon the scaffold. This is beneficial as the 3D cellular construct can be monitored in real-time without disturbing the experiment.

Culturing cells in 3D on appropriate scaffolds is thought to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment and increase cell-cell interactions. The resulting ...

Manufacturing Of Robust Natural Fiber Preforms Utilizing Bacterial Cellulose as Binder

A novel method of manufacturing rigid and robust natural fiber preforms is presented here. This method is based on a papermaking process, whereby loose and short sisal fibers are dispersed into a water suspension containing bacterial cellulose. The fiber and nanocellulose suspension is then filtered (using vacuum or gravity) and the wet filter cake pressed to squeeze out any excess water, followed by a drying step. This will result in the hornification of the bacterial cellulose network, holding the loose natural fibers together.
Our method is specially suited for the manufacturing of rigid and robust preforms of hydrophilic fibers. The porous and hydrophilic nature of such fibers results in significant water uptake, drawing in the bacterial cellulose dispersed in the suspension. The bacterial cellulose will then be filtered against the surface of these fibers, forming a bacterial cellulose coating. When the loose fiber-bacterial cellulose suspension is filtered and dried, the adjacent bacterial cellulose forms a network and hornified to hold the otherwise loose fibers together.
The introduction of bacterial cellulose into the preform resulted in a significant increase of the mechanical properties of the fiber preforms. This can be attributed to the high stiffness and strength of the bacterial cellulose network. With this preform, renewable high performance hierarchical composites can also be manufactured by using conventional composite production methods, such as resin film infusion (RFI) or resin transfer molding (RTM). Here, we also describe the manufacturing of renewable hierarchical composites using double bag vacuum assisted resin infusion.

We present a novel method of manufacturing rigid and robust short natural fiber preforms using a papermaking process. Bacterial cellulose acts simultaneously as the binder for the loose fibers and provides rigidity to the fiber preforms. These preforms can be infused with a resin to produce truly green hierarchical composites.

A novel method of manufacturing rigid and robust natural fiber preforms is presented here. This method is based on a papermaking process, whereby loose ...

Preparation of Light-responsive Membranes by a Combined Surface Grafting and Postmodification Process

In order to modify the surface tension of commercial available track-edged polymer membranes, a procedure of surface-initiated polymerization is presented. The polymerization from the membrane surface is induced by plasma treatment of the membrane, followed by reacting the membrane surface with a methanolic solution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Special attention is given to the process parameters for the plasma treatment prior to the polymerization on the surface. For example, the influence of the plasma-treatment on different types of membranes (e.g.&#160;polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride) is studied. Furthermore, the time-dependent stability of the surface-grafted membranes is shown by contact angle measurements. When grafting poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) in this way, the surface can be further modified by esterification of the alcohol moiety of the polymer with a carboxylic acid function of the desired substance. These reactions can therefore be used for the functionalization of the membrane surface. For example, the surface tension of the membrane can be changed or a desired functionality as the presented light-responsiveness can be inserted. This is demonstrated by reacting PHEMA with a carboxylic acid functionalized spirobenzopyran unit which leads to a light-responsive membrane. The choice of solvent plays a major role in the postmodification step and is discussed in more detail in this paper. The permeability measurements of such functionalized membranes are performed using a Franz cell with an external light source. By changing the wavelength of the light from the visible to the UV-range, a change of permeability of aqueous caffeine solutions is observed.

A plasma-induced polymerization procedure is described for the surface-initiated polymerization on polymer membranes. Further postmodification of the grafted polymer with photochromic substances is presented with a protocol of conducting permeability measurements of light-responsive membranes.

In order to modify the surface tension of commercial available track-edged polymer membranes, a procedure of surface-initiated polymerization is ...

Generation of a Three-dimensional Full Thickness Skin Equivalent and Automated Wounding

In vitro models are a cost effective and ethical alternative to study cutaneous wound healing processes. Moreover, by using human cells, these models reflect the human wound situation better than animal models. Although two-dimensional models are widely used to investigate processes such as cellular migration and proliferation, models that are more complex are required to gain a deeper knowledge about wound healing. Besides a suitable model system, the generation of precise and reproducible wounds is crucial to ensure comparable results between different test runs. In this study, the generation of a three-dimensional full thickness skin equivalent to study wound healing is shown. The dermal part of the models is comprised of human dermal fibroblast embedded in a rat-tail collagen type I hydrogel. Following the inoculation with human epidermal keratinocytes and consequent culture at the air-liquid interface, a multilayered epidermis is formed on top of the models. To study the wound healing process, we additionally developed an automated wounding device, which generates standardized wounds in a sterile atmosphere.

The goal of this protocol is to build up a three-dimensional full thickness skin equivalent, which resembles natural skin. With a specifically constructed automated wounding device, precise and reproducible wounds can be generated under maintenance of sterility.

In vitro models are a cost effective and ethical alternative to study cutaneous wound healing processes. Moreover, by using human cells, these models ...

Alternating Magnetic Field-Responsive Hybrid Gelatin Microgels for Controlled Drug Release

Magnetically-responsive nano/micro-engineered biomaterials that enable a tightly controlled, on-demand drug delivery have been developed as new types of smart soft devices for biomedical applications. Although a number of magnetically-responsive drug delivery systems have demonstrated efficacies through either in vitro proof of concept studies or in vivo preclinical applications, their use in clinical settings is still limited by their insufficient biocompatibility or biodegradability. Additionally, many of the existing platforms rely on sophisticated techniques for their fabrications. We recently demonstrated the fabrication of biodegradable, gelatin-based thermo-responsive microgel by physically entrapping poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) chains as a minor component within a three-dimensional gelatin network. In this study, we present a facile method to fabricate a biodegradable drug release platform that enables a magneto-thermally triggered drug release. This was achieved by incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and thermo-responsive polymers within gelatin-based colloidal microgels, in conjunction with an alternating magnetic field application system.

We present a facile method to fabricate a biodegradable gelatin-based drug release platform that is magneto-thermally responsive. This was achieved by incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) within a spherical gelatin micro-network crosslinked by genipin, in conjunction with an alternating magnetic field application system.

Magnetically-responsive nano/micro-engineered biomaterials that enable a tightly controlled, on-demand drug delivery have been developed as new types of ...

Generation of ESC-derived Mouse Airway Epithelial Cells Using Decellularized Lung Scaffolds

Lung lineage differentiation requires integration of complex environmental cues that include growth factor signaling, cell-cell interactions and cell-matrix interactions. Due to this complexity, recapitulation of lung development in vitro to promote differentiation of stem cells to lung epithelial cells has been challenging. In this protocol, decellularized lung scaffolds are used to mimic the 3-dimensional environment of the lung and generate stem cell-derived airway epithelial cells. Mouse embryonic stem cell are first differentiated to the endoderm lineage using an embryoid body (EB) culture method with activin A. Endoderm cells are then seeded onto decellularized scaffolds and cultured at air-liquid interface for up to 21 days. This technique promotes differentiation of seeded cells to functional airway epithelial cells (ciliated cells, club cells, and basal cells) without additional growth factor supplementation. This culture setup is defined, serum-free, inexpensive, and reproducible. Although there is limited contamination from non-lung endoderm lineages in culture, this protocol only generates airway epithelial populations and does not give rise to alveolar epithelial cells. Airway epithelia generated with this protocol can be used to study cell-matrix interactions during lung organogenesis and for disease modeling or drug-discovery platforms of airway-related pathologies such as cystic fibrosis.

This protocol efficiently directs mouse embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm to mature airway epithelial cells. This differentiation technique uses 3-dimensional decellularized lung scaffolds to direct lung lineage specification, in a defined, serum-free culture setting.

Lung lineage differentiation requires integration of complex environmental cues that include growth factor signaling, cell-cell interactions and ...

Polyelectrolyte Complex for Heparin Binding Domain Osteogenic Growth Factor Delivery

During reconstructive bone surgeries, supraphysiological amounts of growth factors are empirically loaded onto scaffolds to promote successful bone fusion. Large doses of highly potent biological agents are required due to growth factor instability as a result of rapid enzymatic degradation as well as carrier inefficiencies in localizing sufficient amounts of growth factor at implant sites. Hence, strategies that prolong the stability of growth factors such as BMP-2/NELL-1, and control their release could actually lower their efficacious dose and thus reduce the need for larger doses during future bone regeneration surgeries. This in turn will reduce side effects and growth factor costs. Self-assembled PECs have been fabricated to provide better control of BMP-2/NELL-1 delivery via heparin binding and further potentiate growth factor bioactivity by enhancing in vivo stability. Here we illustrate the simplicity of PEC fabrication which aids in the delivery of a variety of growth factors during reconstructive bone surgeries.

Self-assembled polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) fabricated from heparin and protamine were deposited on alginate beads to entrap and regulate the release of osteogenic growth factors. This delivery strategy enables a 20-fold reduction of BMP-2 dose in spinal fusion applications. This article illustrates the benefits and fabrication of PECs.

During reconstructive bone surgeries, supraphysiological amounts of growth factors are empirically loaded onto scaffolds to promote successful bone ...