Three-dimensional encapsulation of live cells by using a hybrid matrix of nanoparticles in a supramolecular hydrogel

From a library of glyco-lipid mimics with muconic amide as the spacer, we found that 1, a glyco-lipid that has N-acetyl glucosamine and methyl cyclohexyl groups as its hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, respectively, formed a stable hydrogel (0.05 wt %) through hierarchical self-assembly of the lipid molecules into supramolecular nanofibers. The formation of the supramolecular hydrogel was verified by rheological measurements, and the supramolecular nanofiber was characterized as the structural element by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy observations. Absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic measurements revealed that the muconic amide moieties of 1 are arranged in a helical, stacked fashion in the self-assembled nanofibers. Moreover, we unexpectedly found that the homogeneous distribution of the supramolecular nanofibers of 1 was greatly facilitated by the addition of polystyrene nanobeads (100-500 nm in diameter), as evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopic observations. It is interesting that the obtained supramolecular hybrid matrix can efficiently encapsulate and distribute live Jurkat cells in three dimensions under physiological conditions. This supramolecular hybrid matrix is intriguing as a unique biomaterial.