[Electrospun polycaprolactone/collagen type Ⅰnanofibers oriented patch for rotator cuff repairing]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Rotator cuff injuries are common and often require surgical repair.
• Current synthetic patches have limitations in promoting tissue regeneration.
• Developing advanced scaffold materials is crucial for improving rotator cuff repair outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To manufacture and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen type I nanofibers-oriented patches using electrospinning.
• To evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these patches for rotator cuff repair applications.
• To assess the feasibility of these patches as synthetic grafts for tendon tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was used to create PCL patches (control) and PCL/collagen type I patches (experimental).
• Morphology, fiber diameter, porosity, mechanical properties, and surface chemistry (FTIR, contact angle) were analyzed.
• In vitro cytotoxicity and cell proliferation (CCK-8) and cell adhesion/activity (confocal microscopy) were assessed using rabbit tendon stem cells.

Main Results:

• The PCL/collagen type I patches exhibited smaller fiber diameters, higher porosity, and improved mechanical strength compared to PCL-only patches.
• FTIR confirmed successful blending of PCL and collagen type I.
• The experimental patches were hydrophilic and demonstrated significantly better cell adhesion and activity with no observed cytotoxicity.
• Cell proliferation was comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun PCL/collagen type I nanofibers-oriented patches possess superior physical and chemical characteristics.
• These patches exhibit excellent biocompatibility, promoting cell adhesion and growth without cytotoxicity.
• The developed patch is a promising scaffold material for tendon tissue engineering and future rotator cuff repair.