Sterilization by Ozone: Effects on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Membrane Properties and Cell Viability

This study focuses on developing and characterizing electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes as scaffolds for cell growth, leveraging their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and promote cell proliferation. The membranes were fabricated by electrospinning and sterilized using ozone at room temperature. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and in vitro biocompatibility assays with MRC-5 cells, were employed. The electrospun membranes exhibited uniform fibers with an average diameter of 403 ± 100 nm and demonstrated sterility, with no microbial growth observed after incubation. Contact angle measurements revealed values of 123 ± 0.42° and 123 ± 0.25° for nonsterilized and sterilized membranes, respectively, indicating consistent hydrophobicity. Thermal analyses confirmed the structural stability of PCL membranes, while UV-Vis studies validated their controlled degradation and release kinetics. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that ozone sterilization preserved the chemical integrity of the membranes, with no new organic functions observed. Biocompatibility assays demonstrated high cell viability (> 97%) and effective adhesion on the membranes, highlighting their compatibility and suitability for supporting cell proliferation. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ozone sterilization and the potential of electrospun PCL membranes for a wide range of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery systems.