Electrospun natural rubber latex biocomposite for scaffolds in tissue engineering

Abstract

Fibrous scaffold along with seed cells are essential players for engineered tissue regeneration. Recently, PLGA/epoxidized poly(isoprene) dense membranes have been evaluated for cell growth and have shown satisfactory results. However, porous and fibrous structures suitable for obtaining 3D supports have not yet been evaluated for the PLGA/epoxidized poly(isoprene). The present work aimed to establish the electrospinning conditions for obtaining electrospun membranes with a smaller diameter of fibers and adequate morphology, which were characterized in vitro by their physical, chemical and biological properties. The best electrospun fibers were obtained from the following conditions: an applied voltage of 15 kV, a needle-collector distance of 20 cm and, a flow rate of 5 mL/h. The functional groups of the polymers involved in the blend did not show any changes. The mechanical properties of the electrospun membranes are within the lower limits known to human skin and some soft tissues. The in vitro degradation test showed a loss of mass of approximately 20% in 28 days. Significant adhesion and proliferation of human adipose–derived mesenchymal stem cells were demonstrated, indicating that there was cellular penetration into the scaffold and proliferation. Therefore, the preliminary results suggest that the electrospun PLGA/epoxidized poly(isoprene) membranes have high potential for application as a 3D tissue engineering scaffold.

Development of co‐electrospun membrane composed poly(l‐co‐d,l‐lactic acid) and natural rubber with potential application in dermal dressing

“…Although the co-electrospun samples presented superior results than PLDLA +1.5% NR, the presence of 1.5% NR resulted in low Young's modulus, indicating that the material can be easily elastically deformed under low stress. According to Carazzai et al, 26 the results obtained suggest compatibility between the components present in the co-electrospun membrane (PLDLA +1.5% NR), which directly corroborates the results obtained by DSC analysis.…”

“…The porosity of the fibers may be related to the rate of solvent evaporation or the presence of moisture during the membrane processing. 26 The existence of pores provides a larger surface area to the fibers, which is of interest for biomedical applications involving the biological scope, as their presence can help in cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. 47,48 The porosity observed in co-electrospun fibers can also promote the exchange of oxygen and nutrients.…”

“…Studies emphasize the feasibility of including natural rubber latex (NR) with other polymers to enhance the flexibility, malleability, and bioactivity of these materials. 10,25,26 The NR is a natural polymer extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis and consists of a macromolecule formed by extensive poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) chains. This material has attracted significant interest in the biomedical field due to its remarkable biocompatibility and its capacity to stimulate angiogenesis.…”

Tissue engineering application combining epoxidized natural rubber blend and mesenchymal stem cells inin vivoresponse

“…We can presume that PLGA/ PIepox architecture and chemical properties can ensure efficient transport of nutrition for tissue host facilitating cell migration and proliferation as well as maintain cellular functions. Carrasai et al, (2021) 34 investigated the influence of the PLGA/PIepox and the connectivity on cell migration using ADSC. Additionally, Guerra et al, (2020) 28 performed another study presenting a different method of prepare PLGA/PIepox that can influence the cell proliferation.…”

“…PLGA/PIepox was prepared as described previously. 26,27,28,34 The blends were obtained through the electrospinning technique, in which polyisoprene is epoxidized with PLGA (PLGA/PIepox) and dissolved in chloroform in a ratio of 3:2 (w/w). After standardizing the parameters, the metallic collector was used in a static way and the diameter of the metallic needle (0.7 mm) was maintained in all tests.…”