Influence of elastin on the properties of hybrid PCL/elastin scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract

Developing scaffolds by combining different polymers in order to improve the properties of the bare polymers has become an extensively applied practice. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic polyester with outstanding properties for tissue engineering (TE), although it does have certain drawbacks that can be counteracted by combining it with other biopolymers. The biopolymer elastin is an essential functional component of the dermal extracellular matrix. Therefore, the aim of this work was to produce binary systems comprising a combination of PCL (16 wt/vol%) and different concentrations of elastin (2 and 4 wt/vol%) to evaluate how the protein affects the matrix. To this end, the morphological, physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties of the aforementioned scaffolds were further characterized, observing that PCL/elastin is a suitable mixture as it improves the wettability of PCL when combined with elastin (the contact angles were reduced from 102 to ca. 70°). In addition, mixing PCL with a small quantity of elastin (2%) improved the mechanical properties of PCL‐based scaffolds (Young's modulus increased from 36 to 69 MPa and the maximum stress increased from 11 to 34 MPa).

Novel Trends in Hydrogel Development for Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…Elastin (EL). Elastin is an essential functional component of the dermal ECM and has demonstrated benefits in skin wound repair [ 90 , 173 ]. EL has superior mechanical resistance and structural stability in vivo [ 91 ].…”

Biocompatible Synthetic Polymers for Tissue Engineering Purposes

“…As described in Section , surface properties are crucial since they affect the interactions of the implant with proteins and cells, and intermediate hydrophilicities are generally preferred to achieve such interactions . Some easy and efficient methods to improve the biocompatibility and tailor the hydrolytic degradation rates of PCL, PLA, and PLGA, are to increase their hydrophilicity by coating or blending with natural polymers, such as decellularized ECM, − collagen, − gelatin, ,,, elastin, , other proteins, ,, and polysaccharides. ,− Grafting and coating with hydrophilic synthetic polymers, such as poly­(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), , polyacrylamide, poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), , poly­(ethylene oxide), polydopamine, polyurethane (PU) have also been performed, as well as plasma treatment. ,, Copolymerization and blending also help modulate the mechanical properties of these polymers. ,− Overall, PCL and PLA have been used in the TE of a wide variety of tissues, including cornea, skin, cartilage, and bone . The commercial availability and processability of such thermoplastic polyesters, combined with their established applications in products that have received FDA approval, are major factors that will, in our opinion, keep these polymers in the spotlight of the optimization of TE scaffolds.…”

“…As described in Section 2, surface properties are crucial since they affect the interactions of the implant with proteins and cells, and intermediate hydrophilicities are generally preferred to achieve such interactions. 27 Some easy and efficient methods to improve the biocompatibility and tailor the hydrolytic degradation rates of PCL, PLA, and PLGA, are to increase their hydrophilicity by coating 28 or blending with natural polymers, such as decellularized ECM, 29−33 collagen, 34−41 gelatin, 35,38,42,43 elastin, 40,44 other proteins, 40,45,46 and polysaccharides. 35,47−50 Grafting and coating with hydrophilic synthetic polymers, such as poly-(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), 48,51 polyacrylamide, 52 poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), 53,54 poly(ethylene oxide), 55 polydopamine, 39 polyurethane (PU) 56 have also been performed, as well as plasma treatment.…”

Bioinspired PLCL/Elastin Nanofibrous Vascular Tissue Engineering Scaffold Enhances Endothelial Cells and Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cells

“…Sańchez-Cid et al blended PCL with elastin to prepare tissue engineering scaffolds; the addition of elastin effectively improved the poor hydrophilicity of PCL, and the elasticity of the material was improved. 26 Smith et al combined elastin with polydioxanone (PDO), and the synthetic grafts showed good compliance. 27 The presence of elastin promoted cell infiltration into the scaffold within 7 days.…”