Biocompatible graphene‐embedded PCL/PGS‐based nanofibrous scaffolds: A potential application for cardiac tissue regeneration

Abstract

Research in the field of tissue engineering, especially heart tissue engineering, is growing rapidly. Herein, the morphological, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of poly (caprolactone) (PCL)/poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and PCL/PGS/graphene nanofibrous scaffolds are investigated. Initially, PGS pre-polymer is synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Then, in order to use the benefits of PGS, this polymer is mixed with PCL. Blending PGS with PCL resulted in the enhancement of ultimate elongation and reduction in the elastic modulus due to the intrinsic properties of PGS. The hydrophobicity of PCL nanofibers is reduced by adding PGS as hydrophilic polymer (105 ± 3 vs. 44 ± 2 ). Also, the addition of graphene to the blend nanofibers is balanced the hydrophilicity. Degradation rate of pure PCL nanofibers is very slow but it is increased in the presence of PGS. All nanofibrous scaffolds are biocompatible and non-toxic. The highest cell adhesion (covered area = 0.916 ± 0.032) and biocompatibility (98.79 ± 1%) are related to PCL/PGS loaded with 1% wt of graphene (PCL/PGS/graphene 1 ). Thus, this sample can be a good candidate for further examinations of cardiac tissue engineering.

Electro‐conductive nanofibrous structure based on PGS/PCL coated with PPy by in situ chemical polymerization applicable as cardiac patch: Fabrication and optimization

“…Here, the XRD spectra of PGS/PCL nanofibers shows the presence three peaks. Two peaks at 21.5° and 23.8° corresponded to (1 1 0) and (2 0 0) plans, and a peak at 19.3 that are related to PGS and PCL portions, respectively 10,57 . Presence of these three peaks confirmed the presence of both PGS and PCL in the structure.…”

“…Two peaks at 21.5 and 23.8 corresponded to (1 1 0) and (2 0 0) plans, and a peak at 19.3 that are related to PGS and PCL portions, respectively. 10,57 Presence of these three peaks confirmed the presence of both PGS and PCL in the structure. About the XRD spectra of PGS/PCL/PPy all the three were present, but their intensity decreased (i.e., 983 for 21.5 vs. 304 and 485 for 23.8 vs. 219).…”

“…Nanofibers are currently one of the most popular polymer structures with various applications, mainly due to the large surface‐to‐volume ratio and high porosity 1 . Many applications have been reported for this structure in areas such as composite fabrication, 2 filtration, 3 sensors and actuators, 4,5 lithium‐ion batteries, 6 drug delivery 7–9 and tissue engineering 10–12 . The nanofibers are produced employing various techniques, among which the electrospinning method is of special importance due to the simplicity and the convenient engineering.…”

Graphene-Based Scaffolds: Fundamentals and Applications for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering

“…Addition of graphene to PCL/PGS nanofibrous scaffolds led to improved electrical conductivity, balanced hydrophilicity, and increased surface roughness. Adhesion, growth, migration, proliferation, and viability of cultured human cardiomyocytes were increased with the increase of the ratio of graphene in PCL/PGS scaffolds (Fakhrali et al, 2021). Talebi et al used electrospinning technique to fabricate highly hydrophilic fibrous scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone/ chitosan/polypyrrole (PCP) and graphene (Talebi et al, 2020).…”

“…Addition of graphene to PCL/PGS nanofibrous scaffolds led to improved electrical conductivity, balanced hydrophilicity, and increased surface roughness. Adhesion, growth, migration, proliferation, and viability of cultured human cardiomyocytes were increased with the increase of the ratio of graphene in PCL/PGS scaffolds ( Fakhrali et al, 2021 ).…”