Improved cell viability of biocompatible nutrient-contained polymeric nanofibers

Nanofibers containing cell nutrients (PGDs) were fabricated by mixing 5 wt% poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (P), 4 wt% gelatin (G), and 0-2.4 wt% Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (D). The contact angles showed a considerable decrease from 118.4 degrees on the P scaffold to 17.6 degrees on PGD1.6 (containing 1.6 wt% D). The weight loss ratios between PGD1.6 and the P nanofiber, and between PGD1.6 and the PG nanofiber by degradation after 28 days were approximately 3.1 and 1.4, respectively. The rate of cell proliferation on PGD1.6 was greater than that on the PG nanofiber by 14% and 38% for the exchanged and unexchanged culture media, respectively. The physicochemical measurement results showed that the PGDs exhibited enhanced hydrophilic properties and rapid biodegradation. The PGD nanofibers with increasing D content showed better conditions for long-term cell viability. The growth mechanism of the cells on the PGDs was explained by an attachment and growth process.