Optimization of cell seeding on electrospun PCL-silk fibroin scaffolds. (5th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Raminder; Eitler, David; Morelle, René; Friedrich, Ralf P.; Dietel, Barbara; Alexiou, Christoph; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Liverani, Liliana; Cicha, Iwona
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 134(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-05
• Subjects: Electrospinning -- Benign solvents -- Poly(ε-caprolactone) -- Silk fibroin -- Nanofibers -- Magnetic cell seeding; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109838
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: PCL and silk fibroin (SF) blended fibers are electrospun using benign solvents. Growth of primary endothelial cells and fibroblasts is enhanced on PCL/SF fibers. Radial magnetic cell seeding is tested to colonize 3D tubular PCL/SF scaffolds. Lumen endothelialization is improved by the presence of fibroblasts. Abstract: The availability of cell growth-supporting materials for regenerative medicine is limited. Here, we aimed to improve the attachment and growth of endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mats with different fiber diameters and on newly-established PCL and silk fibroin (PCL/SF) blended fibers obtained by using benign solvents (mixture of acetic acid and formic acid) for electrospinning. PCL mats were produced in two different average fiber diameters, namely micro and nano range. The electrospinning method was optimized to produce PCL/SF blended fibers. Morphology (F-actin), viability (calcein) and metabolic activity (WST-8 assay) of HUVECs and fibroblasts cultured in 2D on the mats of different fiber size and composition were compared. Subsequently, cylindrical PCL/SF scaffolds were produced and colonized with cells using 3D radial magnetic cell seeding. Both PCL and PCL/SF nanofibers provided better support for initial cell adhesion (day 1) compared with PCL microfibers. At day 7, the highest metabolic activity in HUVECs and fibroblasts was observed on PCL/SF mats. Microscopic studies confirmed that on day 7, the best support for cell growth was observed on PCL/SF. Tubular PCL/SF scaffolds were successfully colonized using magnetic nanoparticles and 3D radial magnetic cell seeding. Taken together, the fibers obtained by blending SF with PCL combine the mechanical benefits of PCL with improved biological functionality of SF. Electrospun PCL/SF nanofibers represent a promising material to produce both flat and 3D structures with potential for enhanced cell attachment and tissue regeneration.