PLLA-PEG-TCH-labeled bioactive molecule nanofibers for tissue engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds (ENSs) mimic the extracellular matrix, offering physical and chemical cues for cell modulation and tissue regeneration.
• ENSs possess inherent bioresorbable and biocompatible properties, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop multifunctional ENSs capable of delivering multiple biomolecules for enhanced tissue regeneration.
• To investigate the loading and surface functionalization of ENSs with various bioactive molecules.

Main Methods:

• Core-sheath structured nanofibers were fabricated using emulsion electrospinning of poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-NH(2) and poly(L-lactide).
• A model drug, tetracycline hydrochloride, was loaded into the nanofibers.
• Surface functionalization was achieved by activating amino and carboxyl groups, followed by conjugation with model proteins (fluorescein and rhodamine-labeled bovine serum albumin).

Main Results:

• The developed ENSs successfully incorporated a model drug and were functionalized with model proteins on their surfaces.
• The multifunctional nanofibers retained their antimicrobial capacity after surface functionalization reactions.

Conclusions:

• Multifunctional nanofibers can be engineered to deliver multiple biomolecules via core-sheath loading and surface conjugation.
• These ENSs hold promise for applications such as functional wound dressings, periodontal membranes, and complex tissue regeneration systems requiring combined therapeutic delivery.