Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering have developed a nonwoven CLC (cholesteryl ester liquid crystals) electrospun scaffold to enhance myofibril formation in vitro. Background: Cholesteryl ester liquid crystals (CLCs) are promising biomaterials for the development of dynamic and responsive interfaces for tissue engineering. CLSs play key roles in cellular homeostasis, regulation of signaling processes, and modulation of cell membranes. However, current CLC scaffolds are nanometer-thin samples tethered to glass, which makes them unsuitable for biomedical implantation. Therefore, is a need for a new CLC material compatible for biomedical tissue engineering. Innovation: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering have developed nonwoven CLC electrospun scaffolds made of cholesteryl ester-based mesogens and fibrous networks. The cholesteryl ester based mesogens increased the biocompatibility of the overall system using axial and planar alignments to mimic the native cellular matrix in muscle tissue. Furthermore, the developed CLC’s favorable wettability and ultrasoft fiber mechanics enhanced cellular attachment and proliferation. The new CLC scaffold can lead to greater myoblast adhesion strength, shortened differentiation times, and overall enhanced myofibril formation in vitro. Potential Applications: • Tissue engineering • Medical implants • Organ on Chip • 3D-organoid Advantages: • Simplicity • Biocompatibility • Robust mechanical properties • Enhanced cellular attachment and proliferation • Soft fiber mechanics • Architecture directs cellular phenotype (ie 3D organoid) State of Development The platform has been assembled and successfully demonstrated. Related Materials Nasajpour, A.; Mostafavi, A.; Chlanda, A.; Rinoldi, C.; Sharifi, S.; Ji, M.; Ye, M.; Jonas, S. J.; Swieszkowski, W.; Weiss, P. S.; Khademhosseini, A. Tamayol, A. “Cholesteryl Ester Liquid Crystal Nanofibers for Tissue Engineering Applications” ACS Materials Science. 2020, 2, 1067. DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.0c00224 Reference: UCLA Case No. 2021-016