Fibrous scaffold with a tunable nonlinear elasticity. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Xin; Wang, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Bo; Zhang, Yang; Jiang, Yongchao; Guo, Meng; Li, Qian
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 94(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Tissue-engineering scaffold -- Crimped fibers -- Nonlinear elasticity -- Cell behavior; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.107045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Micro/nanofibers have been widely applied to mimic the fibrillary structure of collagen type I from a bionic point of view, however, the wavy structure of collagen fibers in biological tissues such as arteries and ligaments has hardly been fabricated. In this study, a universal method was developed to fabricate the crimped fibers of different biopolymers by controlling the relaxation of residual stress, allowing the resulting scaffold a stable nonlinear elasticity. The effects of the processing conditions such as pre-strain, temperature of plasticizer, and fixed contraction length on the crimped fiber structure have been investigated. The results suggested that an engineered nonlinear elasticity of the scaffolds can be tailored by tuning the crimped structure. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on the mat with crimped fibers showed promoted cell adhesion and cell spreading. Crimped fibers might have a great potential for repairing tendons and soft connective tissue and for constructing of tissue-engineering vascular grafts. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Fibrous scaffolds with a tunable nonlinear elasticity. The quenching and cooling treatment enhanced the structural stability of micro-crimped fibers significantly. The method has good versatility and can be used to manufacture crimped fibers of various biodegradable materials. Crimped fibers have better deformability and a higher stress responsiveness. Crimped fibers promote cell adhesion and spreading.