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Novel PGS/PCL electrospun fiber mats with patterned topographical features for cardiac patch applications
M Tallawi1, D Dippold1, R Rai1
1Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Materials Science & Engineering. C, Materials for Biological Applications
|September 11, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method using electrospinning and soft lithography to create patterned fibers that guide cardiac cells. This technique promotes cell alignment for improved cardiac tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nano- and micro-scale topographical features influence cellular functions and cardiac tissue structure.
- Existing methods for creating topographical features for cell culture are often complex and expensive.
- Cardiac tissue engineering requires scaffolds that mimic its complex architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, tunable fabrication method for patterned electrospun fibers.
- To simulate the anisotropic and multi-scale architecture of cardiac tissue.
- To promote cardiac cell alignment and function on engineered scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Combined electrospinning with soft lithography techniques.
- Utilized a blend of poly(glycerol sebacate) and poly(caprolactone) for electrospun fibers.
- Collected fibers on patterned silicon wafers with topographical features (squares, grooves).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful alignment of C2C12 myoblasts and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes on patterned surfaces.
- Observed cell attachment within 8 hours and alignment by 24 hours in response to topographical cues.
- Showed cardiomyocytes aligning and expressing Connexin 43 along junctions.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel, accessible method for fabricating topographical electrospun fibers.
- The method effectively guides cell alignment, crucial for cardiac tissue engineering.
- This technique has significant potential to advance cardiac tissue regeneration.
