Gelatin Nanofiber Matrices Derived from Schiff Base Derivative for Tissue Engineering Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Electrospinning water-soluble polymers like gelatin into nanofibers with retained mechanical strength and bioactivity is challenging.
• Traditional methods often rely on organic solvents, limiting applications for bioactive materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel gelatin derivative, 2-nitrobenzyl-gelatin (N-Gelatin), for improved electrospun nanofiber fabrication.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, bioactivity, and cell interaction of N-Gelatin nanofibers and their blends.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of N-Gelatin via Schiff base formation.
• Fabrication of neat and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) blend nanofibers using electrospinning.
• Characterization using infrared spectroscopy and tensile testing.
• Assessment of cell attachment and proliferation on nanofiber matrices.

Main Results:

• N-Gelatin nanofibers exhibited significantly improved tensile properties compared to neat gelatin.
• UV exposure successfully cleaved the 2-nitrobenzyl group, regenerating free amine groups and gelatin.
• Modified gelatin nanofibers demonstrated a 73% enhancement in cell attachment and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Hydrophobic modification of gelatin via 2-nitrobenzyl capping enables robust electrospun nanofiber fabrication.
• The developed N-Gelatin system preserves bioactivity while enhancing mechanical strength.
• This methodology offers a promising approach for creating advanced protein-based nanofiber scaffolds.