Versatile twin layer macromolecular fibers for advanced tissue engineering applications

Finding the ideal biomaterial with all required properties to replace specific tissues is an unmet challenge. In this study, twin-layered fibers with two well-established medical biomaterials, PHAs and PLA, have been produced via pressurized gyration and characterized thoroughly for surface properties, mechanical properties, and in vitro cell responses using a range of cell types for both hard and soft tissue engineering. The diameters of fibers produced ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 μm. The PHA sheath fibers increased cell attachment of live viable cells compared to PLA sheath fibers, due to their relatively higher biocompatibility, increased surface roughness, and protein adsorption. PLA, as a core, increased the stiffness and tensile strength of the fibers. This approach produced fibers in a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable manner, providing a highly effective solution to the challenging clinical need of the regeneration of tissues.