Scaffold fiber polycaprolactone/collagen/elastin as artificial anterior cruciate ligament

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a crucial intra-articular ligament of the knee, connecting the tibia to the femur and playing a vital role in stabilizing and protecting the joint. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament frequently lead to instability within the knee joint, as well as tears in the meniscus and development of osteoarthritis. This research investigates the impact of polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen/elastin compositions on various parameters, including functional groups, fiber diameter, degradation rate, mechanical properties, cell viability, and proliferation. The analysis conducted through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) unequivocally validated the existence of functional groups associated with PCL, collagen, and elastin across all samples examined. The diameters of the fibers varied between 26 and 425 nanometers across a total of five samples. The PCL/collagen/elastin composition 50/35/15 in %wt, respectively (B2 sample), demonstrated superior characteristics, featuring a tensile strength of 3.390 ± 0.276 MPa, a fiber diameter of 109 ± 70 nm, porosity of 84.00 ± 1.73%, and a degradation period of 115 days. In vitro investigations employing the MTT Assay revealed a progressive enhancement in cell viability across days 1, 3, and 5, suggesting a vigorous process of cell proliferation. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated an increase in cell counts on day 5 relative to day 1, whereas SEM imaging illustrated a consistent pattern of cell attachment and distribution across scaffolds to facilitate cell proliferation and interaction, thereby promoting formation of new tissue. The PCL/collagen/elastin fiber scaffolds demonstrate notable biocompatibility and hold significant potential for advancement as artificial ACLs.