COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PROLIFERATION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF CELLS

Abstract

Methods and compositions for modulating cell differentiation, proliferation and morphology in vitro or in vivo are described. The methods include modifying the extracellular nanoenvironment of stem cells with a self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold. The extracellular nanoenvironment can be modified by changing the percentage of self-assembling peptides used to form the nanofiber scaffold, the concentration of cells in the nanofiber scaffold, the pH, or the amounts of serum. Modulating the extracellular nanoenvironment of cells in nanofiber scaffold allows for increased targeting of cell placement and therapeutic delivery, amplified by cell encapsulation and implantation.