Genipin-cross-linked electrospun collagen fibers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Electrospun collagen scaffolds are vital for tissue engineering but lack stability in aqueous conditions.
• Cross-linking is necessary to stabilize collagen fibers, with genipin offering a less cytotoxic alternative to glutaraldehyde.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genipin cross-linking of electrospun collagen fibers using various alcohol/water solvent systems.
• To assess the impact of different cross-linking conditions on fiber morphology, stability, and swelling.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility of genipin-cross-linked collagen scaffolds with human fibroblasts.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of collagen fibers followed by cross-linking with genipin (0.03 M) in four distinct alcohol/water solvent systems.
• Analysis of cross-linked fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ninhydrin assay.
• Assessment of fiber stability in aqueous and cell culture media, and measurement of swelling in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM).
• Cell adhesion studies using primary human fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Genipin cross-linking effectively stabilized collagen fibers in aqueous and cell culture media for up to 7 days.
• Fiber swelling was successfully controlled by varying cross-linking conditions, ranging from 0% to 59% in DMEM.
• SEM, FTIR, and ninhydrin assays confirmed the maintenance of fibrous morphology and successful cross-linking.
• Primary human fibroblasts demonstrated good cell adhesion to the genipin-cross-linked scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• Genipin cross-linking, particularly using specific alcohol/water solvent systems, enhances the stability of electrospun collagen scaffolds.
• Controlled swelling and maintained fibrous integrity make these scaffolds suitable for tissue-regeneration applications.
• The good biocompatibility with human fibroblasts highlights the potential of these stabilized scaffolds in regenerative medicine.