Modulating electrospun polycaprolactone scaffold morphology and composition to alter endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic gene response

Abstract

The aim of this study was to look at how the composition and morphology of polymer scaffolds could be altered to create an optimized environment for endothelial cells. Four polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were electrospun with increasing fibre diameters ranging from 1.64 μm to 4.83 μm. The scaffolds were seeded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cultured for 12 days. PCL scaffolds were then electrospun incorporating decellularized bovine aorta ECM and cultured in a hypoxic environment. We noted deeper cell infiltration on the largest fibre diameter compared to the other three scaffolds which resulted in an increase in the gene expression of CD31; a key angiogenic marker. Increased cell viability and cell proliferation were also noted on the largest fibre. Furthermore, we noted that the incorporation of extracellular matrix (ECM) had minimal effect on cell viability, both in normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. Our results showed that these environments had limited influences on hypoxic gene expression. Interestingly, the major findings from this study was the production of excretory ECM components as shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The results from this study suggest that fibre diameter had a bigger impact on the seeded HUVECs than the incorporation of ECM or the culture conditions. The largest fibre dimeter (4.83 μm) is more suitable for seeding of HUVECs.

Electrospinning Fabrication Methods to Incorporate Laminin in Polycaprolactone for Kidney Tissue Engineering

“…2). This consistency enables us to eliminate the size effect on cell behaviour [43][44][45] and thus ascribe the results in part to the laminin. The range between three groups was able to be tailored with the maximum variation of 1 lm.…”

Influence of surface topography on PCL electrospun scaffolds for liver tissue engineering

“…Previous studies on similar electrospun fibres have shown that different cell types can respond in a comparable manner, and co-culture can initiate other functions. 37,56,86,87 As the liver is a complex organ, a layer of liver tissue is usually composed of hepatocytes, epithelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. How to design or to use a potential scaffold depends on what function is required.…”

Current Applications of Polycaprolactone as a Scaffold Material for Heart Regeneration

“…This process begins by dissolving the polymer in an organic solvent. Common solvents used include hexafluoroisoproponol, chloroform, mixtures of chloroform and methanol, , and acetone . The type of solvent used has little impact on bulk or surface properties after fabrication, but solvent choice does impact the solubility of blending polymers, cytotoxicity to tissue constructs, and ease of use.…”