Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on the Self-Assembly of a Dipeptide-Based Supramolecular Gel |
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Authors: | Bárbara Giménez-Hernández Prof Eva Falomir Prof Beatriu Escuder |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain;2. Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain |
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Abstract: | The combination of polymers and low molecular weight (LMW) compounds is a powerful approach to prepare new supramolecular materials. Here we prepare two-component hydrogels made by a well-known and biologically active polymer, hyaluronic acid ( HA ), and a dipeptide-based supramolecular gelator. We undertake a detailed study of materials with different compositions including macroscopic (hydrogel formation, rheology) and micro/nanoscopic characterization (electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction). We observe that the two components mutually benefit in the new materials: a minimum amount of HA helps to reduce the polymorphism of the LMW network leading to reproducible hydrogels with improved mechanical properties; the LMW component network holds HA without the need for an irreversible covalent crosslinking. These materials have a great potential for biomedical application as, for instance, extracellular matrix mimetics for cell growth. As a proof of concept, we have observed that this material is effective for cell growth in suspension and avoids cell sedimentation even in the presence of competing cell-adhesive surfaces. This may be of interest to advanced cell delivery techniques. |
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Keywords: | hydrogels peptides self-assembly supramolecular hyaluronic acid |
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