PLA Electrospun Scaffolds for Three-Dimensional Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Culture

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) systems provide a suitable environment for cells cultured in vitro since they reproduce the physiological conditions that traditional cell culture supports lack. Electrospinning is a cost-effective technology useful to manufacture scaffolds with nanofibers that resemble the extracellular matrix that surround cells in the organism. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a synthetic polymer suitable for biomedical applications. The main objective of this study is to evaluate electrospun (ES)-PLA scaffolds to be used for culturing cancer cells. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with no validated targeted therapy and a high relapse rate. MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were grown in scaffolds from two different PLA concentrations (12% and 15% w/v). The appropriateness of ES-PLA scaffolds was evaluated using a cell proliferation assay. EGFR and STAT3 gene expression and protein levels were compared in cells grown in 2D versus in 3D cultures. An increase in STAT3 activation was shown, which is related to self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the enrichment of the breast CSC (BCSC) population was tested using a mammosphere-forming assay and gene expression of BCSC-related stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. Based on the results obtained, ES-PLA scaffolds are useful for 3D cultures in short culture periods with no BCSC-enrichment.

3D printed mesh reinforcements enhance the mechanical properties of electrospun scaffolds

“…Given the importance of scaffold mechanical properties in tissue regeneration, many investigators have focused on modifying the electrospinning process to enhance scaffold strength. As noted previously, blending native ECM-derived proteins with synthetic polymers such as PCL or PLA is a common approach [24,[28][29][30]. Fibers generated from synthetic polymers have been shown to strengthen the overall scaffold, while the naturally-derived fibers maintain their cell biocompatibility [30].…”

“…Furthermore, numerous in vivo studies support the biocompatibility of PCL [19][20][21]. Other synthetic polymers used in electrospinning include poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) [22], poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVD) [23], and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) [24]. While composite materials (e.g., PCL/collagen mixtures) are typically stronger than scaffolds composed solely of natural matrix molecules, the tensile strength of these composites rarely approaches the mechanical strength of tissues such as bone or tendon [8,12].…”

Effect of Thermal Treatment on Crystallinity of Poly(ethylene oxide) Electrospun Fibers

“…It can be dissolved in various organic solvents, such as methanol or ethanol, and water, which classifies it as an easily spinnable material. Electrospinning is one of the processing methods enabling the production of micro-, submicro-, and nanofibers from polymer solutions and melts using electric forces [2,3,4]. Electrospinning of PEO solutions at room temperature has been thoroughly investigated, providing many research studies describing PEO nonwoven webs with various fiber sizes and molecular orientations depending on the chosen processing parameters [5,6], solvents [7], and solution properties [8].…”

Novel Synthesis of Core-Shell Biomaterials from Polymeric Filaments with a Bioceramic Coating for Biomedical Applications

“…Regarding the DSC curve ( Figure 3b), three typical states of thermoplastic polymers, namely the Tg point (glass transition temperature), the Tc point (the point of crystallization) and the Tm point (the melting point), were present [57][58][59]. During the heating cycle, an endothermic event was observed at around 65 • C, which corresponds to the Tg point.…”

“…the melting point), were present[57][58][59]. During the heating cycle, an endothermic event was 217 observed at around 65 °C , which corresponds to the Tg point.…”