Electrospun Biocomposite Polycaprolactone/Collagen Tubes as Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

Abstract

Studies using cellular therapies, scaffolds, and tubular structured implants have been carried out with the goal to restore functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). None of these therapeutic strategies, by themselves, have been shown to be sufficient to achieve complete restoration of function. To reverse the devastating effects of SCI, an interdisciplinary approach that combines materials science and engineering, stem cell biology, and neurosurgery is being carried out. We are currently investigating a scaffold that has the ability to deliver growth factors for the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous stem cells. Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from mice are being used to assess the efficacy of the release of growth factors from the scaffold in vitro. The fabrication of the tubular implant allows a porous scaffold to be formed, which aids in the release of growth factors added to the scaffold.

Electrospun nerve guide scaffold of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass: an in vitro study in peripheral nerve tissue engineering

“…48 Hence, it is necessary to explore the details on mechanical characteristics of nerve conduits. As it reported by Hackett et al, 49 an electrospun conduit with UTS around 5 MPa and elongation at break around 60% can be suitable for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the PCL/Collagen/NBG biocomposite electrospun conduit was considered as an optimal conduit for sciatic nerve tissue engineering.…”

Design and manufacture of neural tissue engineering scaffolds using hyaluronic acid and polycaprolactone nanofibers with controlled porosity

“…Utilizing PCL with natural polymer enhances substrate softness, hydrophilicity, biological properties, cell growth and cell proliferation. Combination of PCL with HA is an option to be used in neural tissue engineering which has been examined by quite a few researchers [34][35][36][37][38][39]. In this study, we tried to improve and modify biochemical, biomechanical and biological properties of PCL electrospun scaffolds by blending them with HA, for neural tissue engineering purposes.…”

“…On the other hand, polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic polyester, with strong mechanical and outstanding electrospinning properties [34]. PCL is a hydrophobic biodegradable polymer with low degradation rate [35].…”

Effects of an Acetic Acid and Acetone Mixture on the Characteristics and Scaffold–Cell Interaction of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Membranes

“…Unlike AC which can be used as an independent solvent for PCL, studies suggest using AA in combination with other solvents at appropriate ratios rather than in pure form to avoid non-fiber formation [7] or eliminate needle-tip clogging [8]. Furthermore, the use of AA in solvents to dissolve PCL can allow the co-electrospinning of PCL and natural polymers such as chitosan [9], gelatin [10], and collagen [11] using only one single homogenous electrospinning solution rather than two solutions, because these polymers are also easily dissolved in AA. Compared to the toxic solvents mentioned above, AC and AA are much less detrimental to human health, showing potential as alternative solvents in electrospinning.…”