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    Structure formation of ultrathin PEO films at solid interfaces-complex pattern formation by dewetting and crystallization
    (Basel : MDPI AG, 2013) Braun, H.-G.; Meyer, E.
    The direct contact of ultrathin polymer films with a solid substrate may result in thin film rupture caused by dewetting. With crystallisable polymers such as polyethyleneoxide (PEO), molecular self-assembly into partial ordered lamella structures is studied as an additional source of pattern formation. Morphological features in ultrathin PEO films (thickness < 10 nm) result from an interplay between dewetting patterns and diffusion limited growth pattern of ordered lamella growing within the dewetting areas. Besides structure formation of hydrophilic PEO molecules, n-alkylterminated (hydrophobic) PEO oligomers are investigated with respect to self-organization in ultrathin films. Morphological features characteristic for pure PEO are not changed by the presence of the n-alkylgroups.
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    Synthetic 3D PEG-Anisogel Tailored with Fibronectin Fragments Induce Aligned Nerve Extension
    (Columbus, Ohio : American Chemical Society, 2019) Licht, Christopher; Rose, Jonas C.; Anarkoli, Abdolrahman Omidinia; Blondel, Delphine; Roccio, Marta; Haraszti, Tamás; Gehlen, David B.; Hubbell, Jeffrey A.; Lutolf, Matthias P.; De Laporte, Laura
    An enzymatically cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel was engineered to promote and align nerve cells in a three-dimensional manner. To render the injectable, otherwise bioinert, PEG-based material supportive for cell growth, its mechanical and biochemical properties were optimized. A recombinant fibronectin fragment (FNIII9*-10/12-14) was coupled to the PEG backbone during gelation to provide cell adhesive and growth factor binding domains in close vicinity. Compared to full-length fibronectin, FNIII9*-10/12-14 supports nerve growth at similar concentrations. In a 3D environment, only the ultrasoft 1 w/v% PEG hydrogels with a storage modulus of ∼10 Pa promoted neuronal growth. This gel was used to establish the first fully synthetic, injectable Anisogel by the addition of magnetically aligned microelements, such as rod-shaped microgels or short fibers. The Anisogel led to linear neurite extension and represents a large step in the direction of clinical translation with the opportunity to treat acute spinal cord injuries.