Herein we describe the core/shell centrifugal spinning process to deliver susceptible bioactive molecules.

No abstract

Nanofibres enriched with bioactive molecules, as actively acting scaffolds, play an important role in tissue engineering.

Such complex stimulation is needed for improved healing of chronic wounds. However, the nanofibrous system can be used not only as a skin cover, but also in broader applications in regenerative medicine.

Platelets are a popular source of native growth factors for tissue engineering applications. The aim of the study was to verify the use of platelet lysate as a fetal bovine serum (FBS) replacement for skin cell culture. The cytokine content of the platelet lysate was characterized using the Bio-Plex system. The cells (fibroblasts, melanocytes, and keratinocytes) were cultured on PCL nanofibrous scaffolds to mimic their natural microenvironment. The cytokine content of the platelet lysate was determined, and to the cells, a medium containing platelet lysate or platelet lysate in combination with FBS was added. The results showed that 7% (v/v) platelet lysate was sufficient to supplement 10% (v/v) FBS in the culture of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The combination of platelet lysate and FBS had a rather inhibitory effect on fibroblasts, in contrary to keratinocytes, where the effect was synergic. Platelet lysate did not sufficiently promote proliferation in melanocytes; however, the combination of FBS and platelet lysate yielded a better outcome and resulted in bipolar morphology of the cultured melanocytes. The data indicated that platelet lysate improved cell proliferation and metabolic activity and may be used as an additive to the cell culture media.

PurposeIncisional hernia repair is an unsuccessful field of surgery, with long-term recurrence rates reaching up to 50% regardless of technique or mesh material used. Various implants and their positioning within the abdominal wall pose numerous long-term complications that are difficult to treat due to their permanent nature and the chronic foreign body reaction they trigger. Materials mimicking the 3D structure of the extracellular matrix promote cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Some electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds provide a topography of a natural extracellular matrix and are cost effective to manufacture.Materials and methodsA composite scaffold that was assembled out of a standard polypropylene hernia mesh and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibers was tested in a large animal model (minipig), and the final scar tissue was subjected to histological and biomechanical testing to verify our in vitro results published previously.ResultsWe have demonstrated that a layer of PCL nanofibers leads to tissue overgrowth and the formation of a thick fibrous plate around the implant. Collagen maturation is accelerated, and the final scar is more flexible and elastic than under a standard polypropylene mesh with less pronounced shrinkage observed. However, the samples with the composite scaffold were less resistant to distracting forces than when a standard mesh was used. We believe that the adverse effects could be caused due to the material assembly, as they do not comply with our previous results.ConclusionWe believe that PCL nanofibers on their own can cause enough fibroplasia to be used as a separate material without the polypropylene base, thus avoiding potential adverse effects caused by any added substances.

Nanostructured cpTi surfaces affected Saos-2 cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation as well as the nanomechanical properties of the surface.

Fibrous scaffolds are desired in tissue engineering applications for their ability to mimic extracellular matrix. In this study we compared fibrous scaffolds prepared from polycaprolactone using three different fabrication methods, electrospinning (ES), electro-blowing and melt-blown combined with ES. Scaffolds differed in morphology, fiber diameters and pore sizes. Mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation on scaffolds was evaluated. The most promising scaffold was shown to be melt-blown in combination with ES which combined properties of both technologies. Microfibers enabled good cell infiltration and nanofibers enhanced cell adhesion. This scaffold was used for further testing in critical sized defects in rabbits. New bone tissue formation occurred from the side of the treated defects, compared to a control group where only fat tissue was present. Polycaprolactone fibrous scaffold prepared using a combination of melt-blown and ES technology seems to be promising for bone regeneration. The practical application of results is connected with enormous production capacity and low cost of materials produced by melt-blown technology, compared to other bone scaffold fabrication methods.