Comparative Physicochemical Characterization of Electrospun PCL, PLLA, and PLCL Scaffolds and Cell Responses for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Electrospun scaffolds are crucial in tissue engineering due to their tunable properties influencing cell behavior.
• Commonly used polyesters like polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) offer distinct characteristics for scaffold development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the cell-material interactions of electrospun scaffolds fabricated from PCL, PLLA, and PLCL.
• To evaluate the influence of fiber diameter, surface chemistry, zeta potential, and mechanical properties on osteoblast behavior.

Main Methods:

• Scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning of PCL, PLLA, and PLCL.
• Fiber diameter was measured using microscopy.
• Surface chemistry was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Zeta potential was determined via streaming potential measurements.
• Mechanical properties were assessed through tensile testing.
• Osteoblast adhesion, viability, and morphology were evaluated using cell culture studies and microscopy.

Main Results:

• Fiber diameters varied: PLLA (2.6 µm) > PLCL (2.2 µm) > PCL (1.1 µm).
• Surface chemistry differed, with PLCL exhibiting the most negative zeta potential (-36.4 mV), followed by PLLA (-28.4 mV) and PCL (-24.0 mV).
• Mechanical strength was highest for PLCL (5.6 MPa), then PLLA (3.5 MPa) and PCL (1.9 MPa).
• Initial osteoblast adhesion was lower on PLCL and PLLA compared to PCL, but viability at 3 and 7 days was significantly higher on PLCL and PLLA.
• Enhanced filopodia formation and cell spreading were observed on PLCL and PLLA scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• All three polyesters (PCL, PLLA, PLCL) are suitable for electrospun scaffolds in tissue engineering.
• PLCL and PLLA scaffolds provide a more favorable environment for osteoblast cytoskeleton organization and sustained viability.
• Material properties significantly influence cell-material interactions, guiding the selection for specific tissue engineering applications.