Fabrication and biocompatibility of novel bilayer scaffold for skin tissue engineering applications

In this study, a novel bilayer scaffold composed of electrospun polycaprolactone and poly(lacto-co-glycolic acid) (PCL/PLGA) membrane and glutaraldehyde (3.5% v/v) cross-linked chitosan/gelatin hydrogel was fabricated using two methods: electrospinning of the membrane onto the lyophilized hydrogel (BS-1) and membrane underlaying and casting method (BS-2). The morphology of the fabricated scaffolds was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical strength, porosity, swelling capacity, and biodegradation rates of the scaffolds were also characterized. The in vitro biocompatibility of the materials was investigated by assessing cytotoxicity and cell proliferation on the material was measured using MTT assay. In addition, cell adhesion on the material was investigated by SEM. The BS-2 was grafted in Sprague-Dawley rats to determine its in vivo behavior and biocompatibility. The experimental results showed that the addition of the membrane layer to the hydrogel decreased swelling and degradation rates and provided ease of handling during implantation. Grafted BS-2 showed normal wound healing and no major inflammatory reaction was observed.