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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization
Published on: April 19, 2015
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FIBER DIAMETER-DRIVEN MODULATION OF CELL BEHAVIOR IN DECM-ENRICHED ELECTROSPUN SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING
Sai Sadhananth Srinivasana1, Suranji Wijekoona1, Allen Zennifera1
1Nebraska Translational Research Center (NTRC), Department of Growth and Development College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105 US.
International Journal of High Speed Electronics
|April 20, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel bioactive bone graft using decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) from co-cultured cells. The enhanced dECM promotes robust bone regeneration, offering a promising alternative to traditional bone grafts.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Large bone defects pose significant clinical challenges, with current bone graft substitutes often exhibiting limited bioactivity and incomplete tissue regeneration.
- Enhancing the bioactivity of bone grafts is crucial for promoting consistent and robust bone formation, addressing limitations of current treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bioactive component for bone grafts using cell-laden extracellular matrix (ECM).
- To investigate the use of decellularized ECM (dECM) derived from co-cultured human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to enhance bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, with optimal fiber diameters (200-400 nm) identified for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
- Cellulose acetate (CA) was blended with PCL to improve cell-material interaction, forming nanofibers (NF) for culturing hMSCs, HUVECs, or both.
- Cell-laden ECM was harvested after 21 days, decellularized, and evaluated for bioactivity, creating NF+H (HUVECs), NF+M (hMSCs), and NF+Hyb (co-culture) groups.
Main Results:
- PCL fiber diameter influenced hMSC attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
- Blended PCL/CA nanofibers improved cell adhesion and matrix formation compared to pure PCL.
- The co-cultured cell-derived dECM (NF+Hyb) significantly enhanced the osteogenic activity of cultured hMSCs compared to single-cell derived ECM or acellular scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- A strategy using co-cultured cell-derived dECM significantly boosts bone graft bioactivity.
- This approach offers a promising method for enhancing bone regeneration without exogenous growth factors.
- The developed bioactive dECM holds potential for improving outcomes in treating large bone defects.
