Examining the Transmission of Visible Light through Electrospun Nanofibrous PCL Scaffolds for Corneal Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The transparency of nanofibrous scaffolds is of highest interest for potential applications like corneal wound dressings in corneal tissue engineering. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of light transmission through electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. PCL scaffolds were produced via electrospinning, with fiber diameters in the range from (35 ± 13) nm to (167 ± 35) nm. Light transmission measurements were conducted using UV–vis spectroscopy in the range of visible light and analyzed with respect to the influence of scaffold thickness, fiber diameter, and surrounding medium. Contour plots were compiled for a straightforward access to light transmission values for arbitrary scaffold thicknesses. Depending on the fiber diameter, transmission values between 15% and 75% were observed for scaffold thicknesses of 10 µm. With a decreasing fiber diameter, light transmission could be improved, as well as with matching refractive indices of fiber material and medium. For corneal tissue engineering, scaffolds should be designed as thin as possible and fabricated from polymers with a matching refractive index to that of the human cornea. Concerning fiber diameter, smaller fiber diameters should be favored for maximizing graft transparency. Finally, a novel, semi-empirical formulation of light transmission through nanofibrous scaffolds is presented.

A Novel Strategy as a Potential Rapid Therapy Modality in the Treatment of Corneal Ulcers: Fluconazole/Vancomycin Dual Drug‐Loaded Nanofibrous Patches

“…One can predict the resultant refractive index of the corneal patch using the refractive indices of all the patch components. [ 62 ] It is worth emphasizing that the PVA/GEL nanofibrous patch in the swollen state is characterized by high water content, which can reach up to 87%, [ 63 ] and, therefore, cannot be ignored during RI calculations. The RI of water is 1.33, [ 62 ] whereas the RI of PVA ranges between 1.5 [ 64 ] and 1.6.…”

“…[ 62 ] It is worth emphasizing that the PVA/GEL nanofibrous patch in the swollen state is characterized by high water content, which can reach up to 87%, [ 63 ] and, therefore, cannot be ignored during RI calculations. The RI of water is 1.33, [ 62 ] whereas the RI of PVA ranges between 1.5 [ 64 ] and 1.6. [ 65 ] Ignoring the effect of gelatin, the RI of swollen PVA/GEL nanofibrous patches was estimated as 1.39.…”

Electrospun PCL Scaffolds as Drug Carrier for Corneal Wound Dressing Using Layer-by-Layer Coating of Hyaluronic Acid and Heparin

“…Thus, for the PCL-2, PCL-3 and PCL-4 samples, an increased resistance against suture pullout compared to hAMs (4.0 N mm −1 [ 24 ]) was measured. Subsequently, wound dressings could be produced from thinner scaffolds than comparable hAM leading to an enhanced transparency of the scaffolds [ 25 ]. The PCL-1 samples reach a resistance against suture pullout comparable to hAMs.…”

A printability study of multichannel nerve guidance conduits using projection-based three-dimensional printing

“…Several studies have demonstrated its excellent mechanical properties in biomedical engineering. [45][46][47] The disadvantages of synthetic polymers are that they have poor cell adhesion ability. Different photopolymers have different requirements for printing conditions.…”