Amine-Functionalized Electrically Conductive Core-Sheath MEH-PPV:PCL Electrospun Nanofibers for Enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Neural tissue engineering requires biocompatible, bioactive, and biodegradable scaffolds.
• Current surface modifications often rely on expensive biomolecules.
• Conducting polymers offer potential for electrical stimulation in neural regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a core-sheath nanofibrous scaffold using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV).
• To surface-functionalize the scaffold with amine groups to enhance cell interactions.
• To evaluate the scaffold's potential for neural tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Core-sheath nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning PCL (core) and MEH-PPV (sheath).
• Surface functionalization was achieved using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and 1,6-hexanediamine.
• Characterization involved SEM, TEM, FTIR, and XPS; cell studies used 3T3 fibroblasts and PC12 cells; electrical stimulation was applied.

Main Results:

• Core-sheath morphology was confirmed, and amine functionality was successfully incorporated.
• Enhanced adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of fibroblasts and PC12 cells were observed.
• Surface-functionalized scaffolds promoted PC12 cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth, comparable to collagen-coated scaffolds, especially under electrical stimulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed PCL/MEH-PPV nanofibrous scaffold is electrically conductive, biocompatible, and biodegradable.
• Surface amine functionalization effectively promotes neural cell adhesion, differentiation, and neurite extension.
• The scaffold shows significant potential for neural tissue engineering, offering an alternative to costly biomolecule coatings.