Piezoelectric PCL/PVDF core-shell nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced osteogenesis under dynamic loading

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bone tissue regeneration requires scaffolds mimicking native extracellular matrix (ECM) properties.
• Bone's inherent piezoelectricity influences cell behavior and remodeling.
• Piezoelectric scaffolds can provide essential mechanical and electrical cues for bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a core-shell nanofibrous scaffold with enhanced piezoelectric properties for bone tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells on the developed scaffold under mechanical stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning was employed to create core-shell Polycaprolactone-Polyvinylidene fluoride (PCL-PVDF) and PCL-PVDF-Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofibers.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for material characterization.
• Piezoelectric output voltage was measured, and cell behavior (ALP activity, alizarin red staining) was assessed under dynamic tensile loading.

Main Results:

• The core-shell PCL-PVDF scaffold demonstrated a successful morphology and superior piezoelectric response compared to other fiber types.
• Mechanically induced electrical signals from the scaffold promoted osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells.
• ALP activity and mineralization were significantly enhanced in cells cultured on the PCL-PVDF scaffold.

Conclusions:

• The PCL-PVDF core-shell nanofibrous scaffold exhibits promising piezoelectric properties for bone tissue engineering.
• This scaffold effectively supports cell differentiation towards an osteogenic lineage, indicating its potential for bone regeneration applications.