Patterning Multi-Nanostructured Poly(l-lactic acid) Fibrous Matrices to Manipulate Biomolecule Distribution and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Biomolecule-matrix interactions are crucial for tissue engineering but current biomimetic matrices, like electrospun fibers, lack in vivo spatial complexity.
• This limitation hinders their ability to fully deliver regulatory cues to biomolecules, impacting regenerative medicine outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and reliable method for fabricating micro- and nanostructured poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibrous matrices with enhanced spatial complexity.
• To demonstrate the capability of these complex matrices in manipulating biomolecule distribution and functions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLLA fibrous matrices using a combination of advanced electrospinning for nanostructures and agarose hydrogel stamp-based micropatterning for microstructures.
• Demonstrated simplicity and flexibility through mono-/multi-spinneret conversion and versatile agarose hydrogel stamp micropatterning.
• Fabricated three types of PLLA matrices: patterned nano-Ag/PLLA hybrid fibers, patterned bicompartment polyethylene terephthalate/PLLA fibers, and patterned hollow PLLA fibers.

Main Results:

• Successfully created micro- and nanostructured PLLA fibrous matrices with controlled spatial complexity.
• Demonstrated the matrices' ability to manipulate bacterial distribution and antibacterial performance.
• Showcased control over cell patterning, adhesion, and spreading behaviors.
• Validated the matrices' capacity for protein adsorption and controlled delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a powerful tool to restore spatial complexity in biomimetic matrices.
• This approach offers promising applications in biomedical engineering, particularly for advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• The technique's simplicity and flexibility make it highly adaptable for creating diverse patterned biomaterials.