Development of poly (mannitol sebacate)/poly (lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds with potential applications in...

Developing a biomimetic substrate with intrinsic potential for cell attachment and growth has always been a tissue engineering challenge. In the present research, we successfully fabricated PMS:PLA nanofibrous scaffolds for the first time using electrospinning process by adjusting blending ratios, feed rates and polymer concentrations. A desirable composition was found when homogenous nanofibers with an average fiber diameter of 235 ± 38 nm were achieved at 10% w/v for PMS:PLA 60:40. The scaffolds were then characterized for their microstructure, mechanical strength and elasticity, degradation rate, porosity, wettability and cell/tissue compatibility. Mechanical analysis and degradation behavior of PMS:PLA nanofibrous scaffolds revealed appropriate elasticity, stiffness and strength, as well as degradation rate appropriate for soft tissues. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis discovered that mesoporous nanofibers with enhanced specific surface area were fabricated. Further in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations revealed enhanced cytocompatibility, proliferation and tissue responses of PMS:PLA nanofibrous scaffolds with desirable cell-scaffold interactions. Moreover, PMS:PLA nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited negligible inflammatory responses with significantly thinner fibrotic capsule formation and minor infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to PLA nanofibers. These findings suggest that PMS/PLA nanofibrous scaffolds could be introduced as potential candidates with improved properties for soft tissue engineering applications.