RGD-Grafted PEG-b-PLLA-b-PLL Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Delivery (2008-2009)

This project will develop a RGD-grafted PEG-b-PLLA-b-PLL amphiphilic triblock copoylmer for mesenchymal stem cell delivery due to the strong demand and lack of the understanding in current cell delivery systems. The polymers proposed in this project will have biological surface and functional groups to regulate interaction between the biomaterials and cells, which will facilitate the delivery of mesenchymal stem cells not only by controlling cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation but also by enhancing focal integration of graft cells with host tissues. The RGD-grafted amphiphilic triblock copolymer is expected to serve as a potential biodegradable scaffold for cell and tissue engineering.