Fibrous scaffolds from biodegradable polymers for nerve and muscle tissue regeneration

Authors:

• Iwona Łopianiak,
• Beata Aleksandra Butruk-Raszeja,
• Michał Wojasiński,
• Tomasz Ciach

Abstract

Obtaining an ideal scaffold has been a long-term challenge for researchers. The main problem is the differentiation of individual cells and tissues, which makes it impossible to create a universal scaffold. This work aimed to develop fibrous scaffolds from biodegradable polymers for nerve and muscle tissue regeneration. We produced nano-(~500 nm) and microfibrous (1-2 μm) scaffolds from three medical grade biodegradable polymers (PLLA, PLGA, PCL) by solution blow spinning technique. What is more, we produced random and aligned fibers materials for every type of polymer and fiber diameter. Next, we coated fibers with polydopamine and functionalized with peptide. Fiber diameter, pore size, material porosity, and fiber arrangement were investigated based on SEM images of produced and modified materials. We compared modified and unmodified material’s mechanical properties using Instron 3345 equipment. Spectroscopic analysis and wettability measurement before and after modifications were also conducted. The change of collector speed rate allows obtaining homogeneous oriented (aligned) fibers in solution blow spinning process. Materials with homogenous oriented fibers have sustain lower mechanical load than materials with non-aligned (random) fibers. Coating fibers with polydopamine increased their hydrophilic and mechanical properties. Spectroscopic analysis confirmed the successful attachment of the peptide on the material’s surface. Produced scaffolds with aligned fibers are biodegradable, biocompatible, and hydrophilic. Successful materials functionalization with polydopamine and peptide will help to grow well organized and elongated cells in further research.