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Polyphosphazene functionalized polyester fiber matrices for tendon tissue engineering: in vitro evaluation with human
M Sean Peach1, Roshan James, Udaya S Toti
1Department of Physiology, University of Virginia, Virginia 22903, USA.
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England)
|June 28, 2012
Summary
Surface modification of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber matrices with poly[(ethyl alanato)(1)(p-methyl phenoxy)(1)] phosphazene (PNEA-mPh) enhances human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) interactions. This improves tendon tissue engineering and repair outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber matrices are used in tendon tissue engineering.
- Surface modification is crucial for improving cell-matrix interactions and functional outcomes.
- Polyphosphazenes offer tunable properties for biomaterial functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of poly[(ethyl alanato)(1)(p-methyl phenoxy)(1)] phosphazene (PNEA-mPh) surface functionalization on PCL nanofiber matrices.
- To evaluate the impact on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) adhesion, infiltration, proliferation, and tendon differentiation.
- To assess the long-term mechanical properties of the cell-constructs.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of PCL nanofibers with an average diameter of 3000 ± 1700 nm.
- Surface functionalization of PCL matrices with PNEA-mPh.
- In vitro culture of hMSCs on functionalized and non-functionalized PCL matrices.
- Assessment of cell adhesion, infiltration, proliferation, mechanical properties, and tendon-specific gene/protein expression (scleraxis, tenomodulin, collagen I/III).
Main Results:
- PNEA-mPh functionalization resulted in rougher PCL fiber surfaces, enhancing hMSC adhesion and infiltration.
- Functionalized matrices supported hMSC proliferation and led to clinically relevant mechanical moduli over long-term culture.
- Enhanced tenogenic differentiation was observed on functionalized matrices, indicated by increased tenomodulin expression and a favorable collagen I/III ratio.
Conclusions:
- PNEA-mPh surface functionalization is an effective strategy to improve cell interactions with electrospun PCL matrices.
- This approach holds significant promise for advancing tendon tissue engineering and repair applications.
- The modified matrices promote superior cell infiltration, proliferation, and tenogenic differentiation compared to unmodified PCL.
