Porous polymer and cell composites that self-assemble in situ

A cell-laden 3D network is formed upon the addition of avidin to biotinylated polymer particles in the presence of a suspension of cells (see Figure). Applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery are demonstrated; a shape-retaining biomaterial is formed within minutes of injecting the components into a cavity. The molecular interaction mechanism of self-assembly differentiates this polymer/cell composite from other injectable systems.