Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Scaffolds Modified with Curcumin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Fabricating effective tissue engineering scaffolds requires mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) offer promising base materials.
• Incorporating bioactive compounds can enhance scaffold performance and reduce inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel 3D biomimetic scaffold using P3HB, MCNTs, and curcumin (CUR).
• To evaluate the cytocompatibility, mechanical properties, degradation, and in vivo biocompatibility of the developed scaffold.
• To assess the anti-inflammatory potential of CUR within the P3HB-MCNT composite scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was employed to fabricate the P3HB-MCNT-CUR composite scaffolds.
• Material characterization included 1H NMR, FTIR, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• In vitro studies utilized mesenchymal stem cells, while in vivo studies involved a rat animal model.

Main Results:

• The P3HB-MCNT-CUR scaffolds exhibited a highly interconnected porous 3D structure.
• Curcumin incorporation enhanced mechanical properties, in vitro bioactivity, and hydrolytic degradation.
• Scaffolds with 20 wt% CUR demonstrated excellent in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility, with reduced inflammation observed post-implantation.

Conclusions:

• The developed P3HB-MCNTs-CUR electrospun scaffolds represent a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering applications.
• Curcumin effectively enhances the biocompatibility and reduces the inflammatory potential of P3HB-MCNT scaffolds.
• These novel scaffolds hold significant potential for promoting tissue regeneration.