Cellular Insights Into Proangiogenic Activation in Fibroblast and Endothelial Cells by Dual Drug-Loaded Emulsion...

Emulsion electrospinning is one of the versatile methods that offer high potential encapsulation and delivery of active ingredients within the fibrous scaffolds for various applications. In this study, an efficient nanofibrous core-shell biomaterial was fabricated for the restoration of damaged tissue using a polycaprolactone/polyvinyl alcohol-based emulsion loaded with β-carotene and keratin hydrolysate (KH) by electrospinning. The fabricated nanofiber was examined for its morphological, physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. An in vitro drug release study was performed to reveal the release profiles of incorporated β-carotene and KH. The antioxidant capacity of the nanofiber was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. The effect of nanofibers on cell morphology, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic potential was examined using fibroblast (NIH/3 T3) and endothelial (EA.hy926) cells. The results showed that the emulsion electrospun fiber loaded with β-carotene and KH had a diameter of 249 nm, and the fibrous mat had a contact angle of 39.92°. It exhibited tensile strength of 2.05 MPa and an elongation at break value of 23.55%. A prolonged release of β-carotene and a burst release of KH from the nanofiber were noticed in the drug release study. Interestingly, nanofibers incorporated with β-carotene and KH exerted improved cell proliferation, migration, cell adhesion, and tube formation. It supported the expression of genes associated with angiogenic signaling in both fibroblast and endothelial cells. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of electrospun nanofibers derived from emulsions for tissue regeneration, and it could be employed for accelerated wound repair when infused with β-carotene and KH.