The extracellular matrix is a dynamic framework bearing
chemical
and morphological cues that support many cellular functions, and artificial
analogs with well-defined chemistry are of great interest for biomedical
applications. Herein, we describe hierarchical, extracellular-matrix-mimetic
microgels, termed “superbundles” (SBs) composed of peptide
amphiphile (PA) supramolecular nanofiber networks created using flow-focusing
microfluidic devices. We explore the effects of altered flow rate
ratio and PA concentration on the ability to create SBs and develop
design rules for producing SBs with both cationic and anionic PA nanofibers
and gelators. We demonstrate the morphological similarities of SBs
to decellularized extracellular matrices and showcase their ability
to encapsulate and retain proteinaceous cargos with a wide variety
of isoelectric points. Finally, we demonstrate that the novel SB morphology
does not affect the well-established biocompatibility of PA gels.
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