Modular Noncovalent Functionalization of Electrospun Piezoelectric Scaffolds with Bioactive Nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Immunology

Background:

• Electrospun scaffolds are promising for immune-instructive materials.
• Stable and modular functionalization of scaffolds with bioactive signals is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a surface coating strategy for electrospun scaffolds using electrostatic adsorption.
• To enable modular, non-covalent functionalization with bioactive nanocarriers for immune engineering.

Main Methods:

• Utilized poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) piezoelectric scaffolds.
• Employed electrostatic self-assembly for nanoparticle and liposome coating.
• Investigated tuning of coating density via buffer pH, ionic strength, and nanoparticle concentration.
• Implemented supramolecular tethering to present interleukin-15 (IL-15).

Main Results:

• Achieved robust and uniform coating of nanoparticles and liposomes without covalent modification.
• Demonstrated cytocompatibility of liposome-coated scaffolds with epithelial and immune cells.
• Showcased sustained, localized cytokine signaling via liposome-presented IL-15.
• Established tunable nanoparticle coating density.

Conclusions:

• Developed a modular, post-fabrication, non-covalent scaffold functionalization approach.
• This method offers new opportunities for advanced tissue and immune engineering applications.
• The strategy enables precise control over bioactive signal presentation on scaffolds.