Protein encapsulated in electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

The main purpose of tissue engineering is the preparation of fibrous scaffolds with similar structural and biochemical cues to the extracellular matrix in order to provide a substrate to support the cells. Controlled release of bioactive agents such as growth factors from the fibrous scaffolds improves cell behavior on the scaffolds and accelerates tissue regeneration. In this study, nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated from biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) through the electrospinning technique. Nanofibers with a core–sheath structure encapsulating bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein for hydrophilic bioactive agents were prepared through emulsion electrospinning. The morphology of the nanofibers was evaluated by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and the core–sheath structure of the emulsion electrospun nanofibers was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results of the mechanical properties and X‐ray diffraction are reported. The scaffolds demonstrated a sustained release profile of BSA. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated using the MTT (3(4,5‐ dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for NIH‐3T3 fibroblast cells. The results indicated desirable biocompatibility of the scaffolds with the capability of encapsulation and controlled release of the protein, which can serve as tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Effects of Chitosan Concentration on the Protein Release Behaviour of Electrospun Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Chitosan Nanofibers

“…The polymer jet containing BSA carries extra charges, which induce a more effective elongation and finer fibers at the same applied voltage. Nevertheless, as the BSA concentration increased, the average fiber diameter increased due to the presence of more solid material in the solvent system [7]. The results showed no significant changes in the mean fiber diameter, except for an increase at 10% BSA, which was approximately 10 nm and was negligible under these criteria.…”

“…Researchers have reported burst release as a disadvantage of blend electrospinning comparing with coaxial electrospinning, which requires a special apparatus and careful selection of materials. Emulsion electrospinning has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its simplicity [7].…”

Electrospinning of calcium phosphate-poly(D,L-lactic acid) nanofibers for sustained release of water-soluble drug and fast mineralization

“…This reduces the potential of electrospinning hydrophobic polymer nanofibers containing water-soluble drugs. Therefore, emulsion electrospinning 32,33 and coaxial electrospinning 34 have been developed for encapsulating water-soluble drugs. The electrospinning of water-soluble drug into a stable nanofibrous matrix well controls the drug diffusion into tissue and prolongs the effects of the drug.…”

EGF-loaded nanofibrous scaffold for skin tissue engineering applications

“…In TEM image (Figure 3(b)), the dark phase implies the protein which has been encapsulated in the core of the nanofibers while Figure 3(a) shows pure PLGA nanofibers [20,21]. The development of this core-shell structure is attributable to the immiscible nature of the two phases, i.e.…”

“…As a result, based on the viscosity gradient, the droplets of the aqueous phase migrate to the core of the jet. The emulsion droplets which possess a spherical form, experience substantial elongation during the electrospinning and significantly lose their spherical layout while elongated [20,21].…”