Core-Shell Magnetoactive PHB/Gelatin/Magnetite Composite Electrospun Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced composite scaffolds is crucial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Magnetoactive materials offer unique advantages for targeted drug delivery and guided tissue regeneration.
• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and gelatin are biocompatible polymers with potential for scaffold fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel hybrid magnetoactive composite scaffolds using PHB, gelatin, and magnetite (Fe3O4).
• To characterize the morphology, structure, phase composition, and magnetic properties of the fabricated scaffolds.
• To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was employed to fabricate poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/gelatin/magnetite (Fe3O4) composite scaffolds.
• Morphological and structural analysis was performed using techniques like scanning electron microscopy.
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze surface composition and thermal properties.
• Magnetic properties were quantified using a vibrating sample magnetometer.

Main Results:

• Composite scaffolds exhibited a core-shell and ribbon-shaped fiber morphology with submicron Fe3O4 particles on the surface.
• XPS confirmed the presence of gelatin on the fiber surface, with a significant decrease after saline incubation.
• DSC revealed a decrease in melting temperature and crystallinity in composite scaffolds compared to pure PHB.
• The hybrid scaffolds demonstrated non-toxicity and a saturation magnetization of 3.27 ± 0.22 emu/g.

Conclusions:

• Novel hybrid magnetoactive composite scaffolds based on PHB, gelatin, and Fe3O4 were successfully fabricated.
• The scaffolds possess desirable structural and magnetic properties for biomedical applications.
• The non-toxic nature and tunable magnetic response make these materials promising for future development in regenerative medicine and drug delivery.