Characterization, Biocompatibility, and Optimization of Electrospun SF/PCL/CS Composite Nanofibers

Abstract

In this study, composite nanofibers (SF/PCL/CS) for the application of dressings were prepared with silk fibroin (SF), polycaprolactone (PCL), and chitosan (CS) by electrospinning techniques, and the effect of the fiber diameter was investigated using the three-stage Taguchi experimental design method (L9). Nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized by the combined techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a cytotoxicity test, proliferation tests, the antimicrobial activity, and the equilibrium water content. A signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) analysis indicated that the contribution followed the order of SF to PCL > flow rate > applied voltage > CS addition, possibly owing to the viscosity and formation of the beaded fiber. The optimum combination for obtaining the smallest fiber diameter (170 nm) with a smooth and uniform distribution was determined to be a ratio of SF to PCL of 1:2, a flow rate of 0.3 mL/hr, and an applied voltage of 25 kV at a needle tip-to-collector distance of 15 cm (position). The viability of these mouse fibroblast L929 cell cultures exceeded 50% within 24 hours, therefore SF/PCL/CS could be considered non-toxic according to the standards. The results proposed that the hydrophilic structure of SF/PCL/CS not only revealed a highly interconnected porous construction but also that it could help cells promote the exchange of nutrients and oxygen. The SF/PCL/CS scaffold showed a high interconnectivity between pores and porosity and water uptake abilities able to provide good conditions for cell infiltration and proliferation. The results from this study suggested that SF/PCL/CS could be suitable for skin tissue engineering.

Silk fibroin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous membranes loaded with natural Manuka honey for potential wound healing

“…The preparation of SF/PCL/MH membranes was shown in Figure 1. The 0.33 g SF and 0.67 g PCL (1:2, w/w) were dissolved in 10 ml HFIP 33,34 . After it was completely dissolved, the MH of different mass (0%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) was added.…”

“…The 0.33 g SF and 0.67 g PCL (1:2, w/w) were dissolved in 10 ml HFIP. 33,34 After it was completely dissolved, the MH of different mass (0%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) was added. After stirring in a magnetic stirrer for 12 h and ultrasonic for half an hour, 10 ml electrospinning solutions with different concentrations were obtained, which were added into two syringes for electrospinning for 2.5 h (Spinning speed: 2 ml/h, Spinning distance: 15 cm, Voltage: 20 kV, receiver speed: 600 rpm).…”

Three-Dimensional Avian Hematopoietic Stem Cell Cultures as a Model for Studying Disease Pathogenesis

“…PCL is widely used in tissue engineering and drug delivery ( Chen and Lin, 2020 ). It is likewise often used in 3D cell cultures, where it promotes the proliferation and differentiation of various kinds of cells ( Kim T. E. et al, 2016 ).…”

Application of Intelligent Modeling Method to Optimize the Multiple Quality Characteristics of the Injection Molding Process of Automobile Lock Parts

“…Then, the warpage and average temperature conditions were further observed, in order to obtain the manufacturing process parameters of auto lock parts with the optimal design for each single objective. Taguchi methods are the most widely applied robust design methods in the planning of process parameters, because they reveal the effects of various combinations of parameters on a relevant single quality characteristic [24][25][26][27]. The combinations of parameters for the experimental injection molded sample were assessed with the Taguchi L 18 (2 1 × 3 7 ) OA, using the warpage and average temperature as single quality characteristics.…”