In situ crosslinked electrospun gelatin nanofibers for skin regeneration. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dias, J.R.; Baptista-Silva, S.; Oliveira, C.M.T. de; Sousa, A.; Oliveira, A.L.; Bártolo, P.J.; Granja, P.L.
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 95(2017)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: In situ crosslinking -- Electrospun fibers -- Gelatin -- BDDGE -- Wound dressing; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.08.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: In situ crosslinking of gelatin electrospun fibers with BDDGE is describe for the first time. The results demonstrate a huge potential to keep the fibers morphology after crosslinking. Changing both the crosslinker amount and the incubation time it is possible to control the crosslinking reaction and, consequently, the mesh properties (morphological, mechanical and biological properties). Highlights: In situ crosslinking of gelatin electrospun fibers with BDDGE was explored. The fibers morphology was keep after in situ crosslinking methodology. Is possible control the fiber diameter ranging crosslinker amount and reaction time. The use of BDDGE is an alternative gelatin crosslinker due to its non-toxicity. Controlling the reaction is possible tailor gelatin's properties. Abstract: Due to its intrinsic similarity to the extracellular matrix, gelatin electrospun nanofibrous meshes are promising scaffold structures for wound dressings and tissue engineering applications. However, gelatin is water soluble and presents poor mechanical properties, which generally constitute relevant limitations to its applicability. In this work, gelatin was in situ crosslinked with 1, 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE) at different concentrations (2, 4 and 6 wt%) and incubation time-points (24, 48 and 72 h) at 37 °C. The physico-chemical and biological properties of BDDGE-crosslinked electrospun gelatin meshes were investigated. Results show that by changing the BDDGE concentration it is possible to produce nanofibers crosslinked in situ with well-defined morphology and modulate fiber size and mechanical properties. Crosslinked gelatin meshes show no toxicity towards fibroblasts, stimulating their adhesion, proliferation and synthesis of new extracellular matrix, thereby indicating the potential of this strategy for skin tissue engineering.