Incorporation of Elastin to Improve Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds for Skeletal Muscle via Electrospinning

Abstract

Skeletal muscle regeneration is increasingly necessary, which is reflected in the increasing number of studies that are focused on improving the scaffolds used for such regeneration, as well as the incubation protocol. The main objective of this work was to improve the characteristics of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds by incorporating elastin to achieve better cell proliferation and biocompatibility. In addition, two cell incubation protocols (with and without dynamic mechanical stimulation) were evaluated to improve the activity and functionality yields of the regenerated cells. The results indicate that the incorporation of elastin generates aligned and more hydrophilic scaffolds with smaller fiber size. In addition, the mechanical properties of the resulting scaffolds make them adequate for use in both bioreactors and patients. All these characteristics increase the biocompatibility of these systems, generating a better interconnection with the tissue. However, due to the low maturation achieved in biological tests, no differences could be found between the incubation with and without dynamic mechanical stimulation.

Evaluation of the Immune Response to Chitosan-graft-poly(caprolactone) Biopolymer Scaffolds

“…38−40 Similar effects are also seen with other biological polymers, such as elastin, which, when combined with PCL, increased Young's modulus (35− 120 MPa), tensile strength (10.6−18.1 MPa), and reduced elongation (55.0−25.3%). 41 We also observed that the addition of CS-g-PCL decreased the water contact angle (WCA) of the scaffolds, indicating an increase in hydrophilicity. We acknowledge that there are multiple scaffold variables at play, contributing to this observation.…”

“…Further, the greater stiffness and reduced elongation observed with the addition of CS- g -PCL are likely due to higher crystallinity in blend fibers . Changes to fiber size, arrangement, and crystallinity may all contribute to altered mechanical properties, consistent with other electrospun bio-synthetic hybrid materials containing chitosan, including chitosan/PCL and chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). − Similar effects are also seen with other biological polymers, such as elastin, which, when combined with PCL, increased Young’s modulus (35–120 MPa), tensile strength (10.6–18.1 MPa), and reduced elongation (55.0–25.3%) …”

Evaluation of Magnesium-Phosphate Particle Incorporation into Co-Electrospun Chitosan-Elastin Membranes for Skin Wound Healing

“…This decreased hydrophobicity may be attractive to the fibroblasts, whereas extremely hydrophobic materials (like C and CMg) are not [ 55 , 56 ]. The immunofluorescence images of CE and CEMg showed differences in cell morphology, notably increased cell spreading, that may be attributed to elastin [ 57 , 58 ]. It should be noted that although the CMg membrane had the lowest cytocompatibility, the presence of MgP did not deter the CEMg membranes’ cytocompatibility.…”

Tissue Engineering Strategies for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

“…Perez-Puyana et al used electrospinning technology to add elastin to the PCL-based scaffolds for skeletal muscle. The scaffolds had more petite size and better hydrophilicity, and the biocompatibility was also improved ( 83 ).…”