Cross-linkable and Degradable Layer-by-Layer Assembly under Cytocompatible Conditions for Cell-Encapsulation

Abstract

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly has recently emerged as a highly versatile and promising method for biochemical and biomedical applications. Accordingly, it is urgently necessary to develop a cytocompatible LbL assembly technique that is stable and offers on-demand degradation and functionalization. In this study, we developed a simple and biocompatible LbL technique that cross-links the layers through covalent bonds under physiological conditions without requirement of any post-treatments or additives. By utilizing the dynamic nature of the disulfide bond, stable LbL films can be spontaneously formed during the process, further functionalized using thiol-maleimide chemistry, and degraded in response to glutathione. In addition, we demonstrated that the method is applicable to plate surfaces, spherical nanoparticles, and even living cells.