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Thoroughly Hydrophilized Electrospun Poly(L-Lactide)/ Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Sponges for Tissue Engineering Application
Chengzhang Xu1, Jun Young Cheong2, Xiumei Mo3
1Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Surfactant treatment effectively hydrophilizes biodegradable poly(l-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) sponges. This enhancement supports cell proliferation and penetration, making them suitable for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Biodegradable electrospun sponges made from poly(l-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) blends are promising for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and fertilization.
- Their inherent hydrophobicity limits their effectiveness in these applications.
- Developing methods to improve their surface wettability is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for hydrophilizing PLLA/PCL electrospun sponges.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cell interaction of hydrophilized sponges for biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Contact angle measurements were used to assess surface wettability.
- Hydrophilicity was tested using hydrophilic dye staining.
- Plasma treatment and surfactant treatment were applied to the sponges.
- MTT assays were performed on sponge leachates to assess cytotoxicity.
- In vitro cell culture studies with MG63 and human fibroblast cells were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation and penetration.
Main Results:
- Untreated PLLA/PCL sponges were hydrophobic.
- Plasma treatment showed limited hydrophilization.
- Surfactant treatment resulted in thorough hydrophilization of the PLLA/PCL sponges.
- MTT assays confirmed no cell incompatibility from sponge leachates.
- In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced cell proliferation and penetration in hydrophilized sponges.
Conclusions:
- Surfactant treatment is a highly effective method for achieving sustained hydrophilicity in PLLA/PCL electrospun sponges.
- The hydrophilized sponges exhibit excellent biocompatibility and promote cell growth, making them suitable for advanced biomedical applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
