Controlling the behavior of stem cells through the supramolecular architecture of the extracellular matrix remains an important challenge in the culture of stem cells. Herein, we report on a new generation of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWG) for the culture of isolated stem cells. The bola-amphiphile structures derived from nucleolipids feature unique rheological and biological properties suitable for tissue engineering applications. The bola-amphiphile-based hydrogel scaffold exhibits the following essential properties: it is nontoxic, easy to handle, injectable, and features a biocompatible rheology. The reported glycosyl-nucleoside bola-amphiphiles (GNBA) are the first examples of LMWG that allow the culture of isolated stem cells in a gel matrix. The results (TEM observations and rheology) suggest that the supramolecular organizations of the matrix play a role in the behavior of stem cells in 3D environments.

Hydrogels formed by the self-assembly of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) are promising scaffolds for drug-delivery applications. A new biocompatible hydrogel, resulting from the self-assembly of nucleotide-lipid salts can be safely injected in vivo. The resulting hydrogel provides sustained-release of protein for more than a week.