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Novel approach towards aligned PCL-Collagen nanofibrous constructs from a benign solvent system
Dirk Dippold1, Aijia Cai2, Moritz Hardt2
1Institute of Polymer Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Plastic- and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Summary
This study developed eco-friendly aligned polycaprolactone-collagen nanofibers for muscle tissue regeneration. Using acetic acid and ultrasonic treatment, this method avoids harsh chemicals for creating advanced regenerative scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Skeletal muscle damage often leads to irreversible function loss.
- Tissue-engineered constructs offer a promising solution for muscle regeneration.
- Aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds are crucial for muscle repair but often require harsh solvents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an environmentally benign method for fabricating aligned polycaprolactone-collagen (PCL-Coll) nanofibers.
- To optimize electrospinning conditions using acetic acid and ultrasonic treatment for PCL-Coll scaffold fabrication.
- To establish ideal processing parameters for highly aligned nanofiber production.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCL-Coll biocomposite nanofibers via electrospinning.
- Utilized diluted acetic acid (AcOH) as an eco-friendly solvent.
- Employed ultrasonic treatment to improve PCL solubility in AcOH.
- Investigated various electrospinning conditions and collector setups.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated aligned PCL-Coll nanofibers using AcOH.
- Optimized AcOH concentration to 90% for effective electrospinning.
- Ultrasonic treatment enhanced PCL solubility, facilitating nanofiber formation.
- Identified optimal processing parameters for producing highly aligned nanofibers.
Conclusions:
- An environmentally friendly electrospinning method using AcOH was established for PCL-Coll nanofibers.
- This approach offers a safer alternative to traditional methods using corrosive solvents like HFIP.
- The developed aligned PCL-Coll nanofibers show potential for skeletal muscle tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
