Conformational manipulation of scale-up prepared single-chain polymeric nanogels for multiscale regulation of cells

Nat Commun. 2019 Jun 20;10(1):2705. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10640-z.

Abstract

Folded single chain polymeric nano-objects are the molecular level soft material with ultra-small size. Here, we report an easy and scalable method for preparing single-chain nanogels (SCNGs) with improved efficiency. We further investigate the impact of the dynamic molecular conformational change of SCNGs on cellular interactions from molecular to bulk scale. First, the supramolecular unfoldable SCNGs efficiently deliver siRNAs into stem cells as a molecular drug carrier in a conformation-dependent manner. Furthermore, the conformation changes of SCNGs enable dynamic and precise manipulation of ligand tether structure on 2D biomaterial interfaces to regulate the ligand-receptor ligation and mechanosensing of cells. Lastly, the dynamic SCNGs as the building blocks provide effective energy dissipation to bulk biomaterials such as hydrogels, thereby protecting the encapsulated stem cells from deleterious mechanical shocks in 3D matrix. Such a bottom-up molecular tailoring strategy will inspire further applications of single-chain nano-objects in the biomedical area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Engineering / methods*
  • Cell Line
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Drug Carriers
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers
  • RNA, Small Interfering