Electrospun PLGA/gelatin fibrous tubes for the application of biodegradable intestinal stent in rat model

A biodegradable fibrous tube was fabricated by electrospinning method using a combination of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and gelatin dissolved in trifluoroethanol (TFE). Different ratios of the two polymers (PLGA/Gelatin: 1/9, 3/7, 5/5) were used for electrospinning to determine the optimum condition appropriate for intestinal stent application. Fiber morphology was visualized and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Characterizations of physical properties were done according to its tensile strength, surface hydrophilicity, swelling ability, and biodegradability. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds was investigated in vitro using IEC-18 (Rat intestinal epithelial cell). Cell proliferation was quantified using MTT assay and cell adhesion behavior was visualized by SEM and confocal laser scanning microscope. PLGA/Gelatin (5/5) was determined to have adequate material properties and sufficient in vitro biocompatibility. This was then implanted in a male Sprague-Dawley rat for 14 days to determine in vivo behavior of the sample. Histological examination on the intestinal tissue surrounding the graft showed normal morphology comparable to non-implanted intestine.