Core-Shell Microfibers via Bioorthogonal Layer-by-Layer Assembly

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Bioorganic Chemistry

Background:

• Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for tissue regeneration.
• Core-shell microfiber structures offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
• Bioorthogonal chemistry provides precise methods for material functionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel core-shell microfibers using electrospinning and bioorthogonal chemistry.
• To functionalize these scaffolds with specific biomolecules for enhanced cellular interaction.
• To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds for vocal fold tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) core microfibers via electrospinning.
• Surface modification with tetrazine groups for subsequent bioorthogonal reactions.
• Layer-by-layer deposition of hyaluronic acid (HA) using tetrazine (Tz) and trans-cyclooctene (TCO) click chemistry.
• Covalent attachment of RGD peptides to impart integrin-binding motifs.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed core-shell microfibers with a PCL core and a cross-linked HA shell.
• Demonstrated controlled growth of the HA gel layer around individual microfibers.
• Showed that scaffolds support primary porcine vocal fold fibroblast attachment and growth.
• Observed no significant induction of the myofibroblast phenotype, with moderate effects of TGF-β stimulation and Y27632 inhibition.

Conclusions:

• The developed bioorthogonally assembled core-shell microfibers show promise for biomedical applications.
• These scaffolds provide a suitable microenvironment for vocal fold fibroblasts.
• The PCL core and HA shell structure may be beneficial for therapeutic implants targeting vocal fold scarring.