Engineering Cell Surfaces with Polyelectrolyte Materials for Translational Applications

The document reviewed the use of polyelectrolyte materials in engineering cell surfaces for various biomedical applications, emphasizing their potential to address translational challenges in cell therapy, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and immune modulation. Techniques like layer-by-layer assembly allowed precise control over polyelectrolyte multilayer films, enhancing cell viability and functionality. The study highlighted the use of polyelectrolyte multilayers in islet cell therapy for diabetes, maintaining insulin secretion in diabetic mice, and improving stem cell therapeutic outcomes in myocardial infarction models. Despite their promise, challenges remained in ensuring that surface modifications did not compromise cell viability or function. The research underscored the versatility of polyelectrolyte materials in enhancing cell-based therapies and tissue engineering, offering advantages over genetic engineering by avoiding complex protocols and harsh solvents.