Northwestern University researchers have built self-assembling thin-film sacs able to hold human stem cells for four weeks in culture, keeping the cells separated while allowing proteins to cross the membrane.

This new mode of self-assembly from a mix of peptide amphiphiles and biopolymers also can produce thin films whose size and shape can be tailored. The method could be used in cell therapy and other biological applications and in the design of electronic devices by self-assembly.

Northwestern University News Release