Dual effective core-shell electrospun scaffolds: Promoting osteoblast maturation and reducing bacteria activity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing effective scaffolds for bone regeneration is crucial.
• Existing materials often lack the necessary mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties.
• Core-shell fiber technology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize ultrathin core-shell electrospun fibers using polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), gelatin, and osteogenic growth peptide (OGP).
• To evaluate the potential of these fibers to enhance human osteoblast cell (hFOB) function and reduce bacterial growth.
• To assess the mechanical properties, chemical structure, and peptide release kinetics of the developed scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of core-shell fibers with a PCL:PEG:Gelatin:OGP composition.
• Characterization of fiber morphology, chemical structure, and mechanical properties.
• In vitro evaluation of hFOB cell proliferation, differentiation (calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity), and antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Main Results:

• Core-shell fibers exhibited improved mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and wettability compared to non-core-shell fibers.
• Controlled and sustained release of OGP was achieved.
• Significant increase in calcium deposition (1.3-fold) and alkaline phosphatase activity in hFOBs cultured on OGP-loaded fibers.
• A two-fold reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria without antibiotics.

Conclusions:

• The developed PCL:PEG:Gelatin:OGP core-shell electrospun scaffolds show significant potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
• These scaffolds enhance osteoblast activity and possess inherent antibacterial properties.
• The core-shell strategy effectively delivers OGP and improves scaffold performance.