Simple Electrospinning Method for Biocompatible Polycaprolactone β-Carotene Scaffolds: Advantages and Limitations
Orion Yoshikawa1, Valentina Basoli2, Francesco Boschetto3,4
1Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
Polymers
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds loaded with beta-carotene were fabricated. These scaffolds show potential for tissue engineering due to enhanced cell proliferation and marginal antibacterial properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a versatile biodegradable polymer used in biomedical applications.
- Beta-carotene, a natural compound, possesses antioxidant and potential therapeutic properties.
- Developing functionalized scaffolds is crucial for advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds incorporating varying concentrations of beta-carotene.
- To characterize the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of these composite scaffolds.
- To evaluate the potential of beta-carotene-loaded PCL scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of PCL solutions with 1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6% beta-carotene.
- Characterization using Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Mechanical testing, antimicrobial assays against Escherichia coli, and cell proliferation studies with KUSA-A1 mesenchymal cells.
Main Results:
- Beta-carotene was homogeneously distributed in particulate form within the PCL matrix.
- Increased beta-carotene concentration reduced scaffold crystallinity and altered mechanical properties (increased strain, decreased stress).
- Scaffolds exhibited marginal antibacterial activity and enhanced mesenchymal cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun PCL scaffolds loaded with beta-carotene were successfully fabricated and characterized.
- The incorporation of beta-carotene influences scaffold properties, suggesting a plasticizing effect and reduced crystallinity.
- These beta-carotene-loaded PCL scaffolds demonstrate promising biocompatibility and cell-stimulating properties for tissue engineering.
