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Published on: June 18, 2014
Development and Characterization of Furfuryl-Gelatin Electrospun Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Naveen Nagiah1, Raven El Khoury1, Mahmoud H Othman2
1Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States.
Researchers developed novel electrospun scaffolds using furfuryl-gelatin and polycaprolactone for cardiac tissue engineering. The coaxial f-gelatin/PCL scaffolds showed superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility, ideal for cardiac tissue models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Developing functional scaffolds is crucial for cardiac tissue engineering.
- Electrospinning offers a versatile method for creating nanofibrous scaffolds.
- Hybrid scaffolds combining natural and synthetic polymers can enhance mechanical and biological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize electrospun scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering.
- To compare the properties of furfuryl-gelatin (f-gelatin) alone, blended f-gelatin/polycaprolactone (PCL), and coaxial f-gelatin/PCL scaffolds.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and potential of these scaffolds for cardiac tissue-on-a-chip models.
Main Methods:
- Three types of scaffolds were fabricated using single-nozzle and coaxial electrospinning: f-gelatin, blended f-gelatin/PCL (1:1), and coaxial f-gelatin (sheath)/PCL (core).
- Scaffold morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Material properties were assessed via Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and elastic modulus measurements. Cell studies involved culturing human AC16 cardiomyocytes and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.
Main Results:
- Uniform fibrous structures were obtained with varying fiber diameters (760 nm for f-gelatin, 420 nm for blended, 810 nm for coaxial).
- Coaxial f-gelatin/PCL scaffolds exhibited the highest elastic modulus (164 ± 3.85 kPa) compared to other scaffolds.
- All scaffolds supported cardiomyocyte adhesion and proliferation, with coaxial f-gelatin/PCL showing enhanced potential for cardiac tissue models.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun hybrid scaffolds, particularly the coaxial f-gelatin/PCL structure, offer tunable mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility for cardiac tissue engineering.
- These visible light cross-linkable, biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds provide a promising platform for developing cardiac tissue-on-a-chip models.
- The study demonstrates a facile approach to creating advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications.
