Three-Dimensional Melt-Electrowritten Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Scaffolds Enhance Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a precise fabrication technique for microfibrous scaffolds crucial in tissue engineering.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic polymer suitable for scaffold fabrication.
• Enhancing PCL bioactivity with natural polymers like chitosan is key for improved tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate PCL/chitosan composite scaffolds using melt electrowriting.
• To evaluate the suitability of these scaffolds for human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) in tissue engineering.
• To investigate the effect of chitosan incorporation on scaffold microarchitecture and hBMSC behavior.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PCL/chitosan scaffolds via melt electrowriting.
• In vitro physical characterization of scaffold microarchitecture.
• Assessment of hBMSC migration, proliferation, and infiltration within the 3D scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Reproducible, layered micron-range scaffolds were successfully fabricated using MEW.
• A statistically significant increase (approximately 140%) in hBMSC proliferation was observed in scaffolds with 1 wt % chitosan compared to PCL-only scaffolds over two weeks.
• Demonstrated successful cell infiltration and proliferation within the 3D scaffold structure.

Conclusions:

• Melt-electrowritten PCL/chitosan composite scaffolds exhibit controlled microarchitecture.
• The addition of chitosan significantly enhances hBMSC proliferation, indicating improved bioactivity.
• These PCL/chitosan scaffolds hold potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.