Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
11:13
Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
7.8K
Surface-modified electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) scaffold with improved optical transparency and bioactivity
Shweta Sharma1, Deepika Gupta, Sujata Mohanty
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|January 16, 2014
Summary
Plasma treatment improved poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds, enhancing wettability and transparency. This modification promoted better cell adhesion and proliferation for ocular surface engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Synthetic poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds are promising for tissue regeneration.
- Improving cell-substrate interaction is crucial for scaffold efficacy.
- Surface modification can enhance the biocompatibility of PCL scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify and functionalize PCL nanofibrous scaffolds.
- To improve scaffold biocompatibility and cell-substrate interaction.
- To explore potential applications in ocular surface engineering.
Main Methods:
- PCL solution was electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds.
- Surface functionality was modified using helium-oxygen (He/O2) plasma discharge.
- Scaffolds were characterized (morphology, wettability, mechanical strength, optical properties) and biocompatibility was assessed using human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and limbal epithelial cells (LECs).
Main Results:
- Plasma treatment significantly improved scaffold wettability and transparency.
- Both treated and untreated scaffolds supported cell survival and proliferation.
- Plasma-treated PCL (pPCL) scaffolds demonstrated enhanced LEC adhesion and proliferation.
- Gene expression analysis confirmed that cells retained their normal phenotype on both scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Plasma treatment effectively enhanced PCL scaffold transparency and biocompatibility through surface hydrophilicity.
- The modified nanofibers show potential as biological cues for ocular surface engineering.
- Enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation on pPCL scaffolds indicate improved bioactivity.
