Decellularized human amniotic membrane reinforced by MoS₂-Polycaprolactone nanofibers, a novel conductive scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering

Abstract

In order to regenerate myocardial tissues with functional characteristics, we need to copy some properties of the myocardium, such as its extracellular matrix and electrical conductivity. In this study, we synthesized nanosheets of Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and integrated them into polycaprolactone (PCL) and electrospun on the surface of decellularized human amniotic membrane (DHAM) with the purpose of improving the scaffolds mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. For in vitro studies, we seeded the mouse embryonic cardiac cells, mouse Embryonic Cardiac Cells (mECCs), on the scaffolds and then studied the MoS2 nanocomposites by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, we characterized the DHAM/PCL and DHAM/PCL-MoS2 by SEM, transmission electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, electrical conductivity, and tensile test. Besides, we confirmed the scaffolds are biocompatible by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, MTT assay. Furthermore, by means of SEM images, it was shown that mECCs attached to the DHAM/PCL-MoS2 scaffold have more cell aggregations and elongated morphology. Furthermore, through the Real-Time PCR and immunostaining studies, we found out cardiac genes were maturated and upregulated, and they also included GATA-4, c-TnT, NKX 2.5, and alpha-myosin heavy chain in cells cultured on DHAM/PCL-MoS2 scaffold in comparison to DHAM/PCL and DHAM. Therefore, in terms of cardiac tissue engineering, DHAM nanofibrous scaffolds reinforced by PCL-MoS2 can be suggested as a proper candidate.

Enhancing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded on a polycaprolactone/MoS2 nanofibrous scaffold through electrical stimulation

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of MoS 2 NPs enhances the conductivity of nylon nanofibers. 29 Given the piezoelectric properties of bone tissue, electroconductive substrates can facilitate the growth and reproduction of bone cells. The utilization of conductive materials in tissue regeneration offers enhanced cell–scaffold interactions, including improved adhesion and proliferation.…”

“…MoS 2 nanofibers were synthesized using hydrothermal methods and were incorporated into a nylon solution for electrospinning and exhibited a great improvement in conductivity which could enhance cell adhesion and proliferation and also promote cardiac differentiation and maturation of MSCs without the need for additional biochemical supplements. 29…”

Current Applications of Polycaprolactone as a Scaffold Material for Heart Regeneration

“…Cardiomyocytes cultured of the PPy-PCL scaffold had increased polarization of the gap junction protein connexin-43, with no difference in expression compared to PCL only, as well as improved calcium wave propagation and duration. 128 Other conductive material has also been utilized such as PCL/gelatin with polyaniline (PAni) particles, 131 carbon quantum dots incorporated into PCL during electrospinning, 132 as well as nanosheets of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), 133 gold nanoparticles, 134 and carbon nanotubes 135 combined with or conjugated to electrospun, fibrous PCL. In all cases, improved electrical conductivity of the scaffold was reported with study-specific results of each study summarized in Table 2.…”

Evaluation of colonic anastomosis healing using hybrid nanosheets containing molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) scaffold of human placental amniotic membrane and polycaprolactone (PCL) in rat animal model

“…In addition, a similar study showed that PCL-MoS 2 , in combination with photothermal therapy, had bene cial effects on bone regeneration and cell growth [23]. Therefore, we recently designed a hybrid scaffold that contains decellularized human AM and PCL-MoS 2 nanosheets, which showed satisfactory results in cardiac tissue engineering in our previous study [24]. AM/PCL-MoS 2 showed competent mechanical, biocompatible, and electroconductive properties.…”