Multiscale-Engineered Muscle Constructs: PEG Hydrogel Micro-Patterning on an Electrospun PCL Mat Functionalized with...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Engineered skeletal muscle constructs require specific material properties, including stiffness and geometry, for optimal cell differentiation.
• Existing scaffolds often struggle to meet the complex micro-environmental needs of skeletal muscle cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize a multi-scale scaffold for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the scaffold's ability to support C2C12 skeletal myoblast differentiation.
• To assess the scaffold's potential for electrical stimulation applications.

Main Methods:

• Microfabrication of polyethylene glycol lines on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber sheets.
• Coating scaffolds with gold nanoparticles for potential electrical stimulation.
• Culturing C2C12 skeletal myoblasts on scaffolds for seven days.
• Quantifying cell differentiation via gene expression analysis and confocal microscopy for myotube alignment and length.

Main Results:

• The multi-scale bio-construct exhibited tunable mechanical properties.
• Scaffolds supported skeletal muscle cell differentiation through all stages.
• Enhanced parallel orientation of myotubes was observed (variation < 15°).
• Sustained myogenic differentiation and improved organization of reconstructed skeletal muscle were demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed multi-scale scaffold effectively supports and enhances skeletal muscle cell differentiation and organization.
• The scaffold's tunable properties and potential for electrical stimulation make it suitable for mimicking physiological muscle functions.
• This work advances the field of skeletal muscle tissue engineering with a promising biomaterial construct.