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

The overall goal of this procedure is to provide controlled biomolecule delivery with spatial control to mimic the cellular niche from hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymeric composites scaffolds. This is accomplished by first creating a sacrificial framework of desired polymers to provide the spatial arrangement of the biomolecule releasing fibers called interfacial poly electrolyte, or IPC fibers. The second step is to incorporate IPC fibers containing the targeted hydrophilic biomolecule on a sacrificial frame.

Next, the IPC fibers on frame constructs are embedded onto a larger scaffold using a micro pattern substrate as a casting mold incorporating topographical cues on the substrate. The final step is to allow full assimilation of the fibers on frame, construct, and solidification of the polymers to create un patterned or micro patterned substrates. Ultimately, standard assays can be used to show the release profiles and bioactivity of the target molecules.