Electrospun PLLA nanofiber scaffolds for bladder smooth muscle reconstruction

Urinary bladder may encounter several pathologic conditions that could lead to loss of its function. Tissue engineering using electrospun PLLA scaffolds is a promising approach to reconstructing or replacing the problematic bladder.

PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared utilizing single-nozzle electrospinning. The morphology and distribution of fiber diameters were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs) were isolated from biopsies and characterized by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Then, the cells were seeded on the PLLA nanofibers and Alamar Blue assay proved the biocompatibility of prepared scaffolds. Cell attachment on the nanofibers and also cell morphology over fibrous scaffolds were observed by SEM.

The results indicated that electrospun PLLA scaffold provides proper conditions for hBSMCs to interact and attach efficiently to the fibers. Alamar Blue assay showed the compatibility of the obtained electrospun scaffolds with hBSMCs. Also, it was observed that the cells could achieve highly elongated morphology and their native aligned direction besides each other on the random electrospun scaffolds and in the absence of supporting aligned nanofibers.

Electrospun PLLA scaffold efficiently supports the hBSMCs growth and alignment and also has proper cell compatibility. This scaffold would be promising in urinary bladder tissue engineering.