Guest–Host Supramolecular Assembly of Injectable Hydrogel Nanofibers for Cell Encapsulation

The fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is recognized as an integral regulator cell function. However, there unmet need to develop mechanically robust biomaterials mimicking nanofibrous tissue topography that are also injectable enable minimally invasive delivery. In this study, we have developed a hydrogel composed supramolecularly assembled hyaluronic acid (HA) nanofibers exhibits mechanical integrity, shear-thinning behavior, rapid self-healing, and cytocompatibility. HA was modified with methacrylates permit fiber photo-cross-linking following electrospinning either “guest” adamantane or “host” β-cyclodextrin groups guide supramolecular assembly. Analysis rheological properties showed mixed guest–host more (6.6 ± 2.0 kPa, storage modulus (G′)) than unmixed guest fibers (1.0 0.1 kPa) host (1.1 separately. reversible nature interactions allowed for self-healing behavior demonstrated by cyclic deformation testing. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels satisfactory viability injection after 7 days culture (>85%). Encapsulated hMSCs were spread elongated when cultured viscoelastic compared nonfibrous elastic controls, showing significantly decreased circularity hydrogels. Together, these data highlight potential platform engineering applications requiring