Basilia B.A., Robles A.P., Ledda K.A., Dagbay K.B.
Mapua Institute of Technology, PH
Keywords: carrageenan, nanofibrous scaffold, polycaprolactone, tissue engineering
Nanofiber scaffolds are potential materials in three-dimensional cell-culture media. Among the most common and attractive polymer used for this application is polycaprolactone (PCL). PCL is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic aliphatic polyester. It is completely biodegradable inside the body after its interaction with body fluid, enzyme and cells. An interesting property of PCL is its propensity to form compatible blends with a wide range of other polymers such as carrageenan. Carrageenan is the generic name for a family of hydrophilic, gel-forming polysaccharides that are obtained by the extraction of certain species of red seaweeds. This study aimed to develop bioactive nanofibrous scaffolds from Polycaprolactone/Carrageenan blends by electrospinning for possible tissue engineering application. Determining the optimum parameters such as needle to collector distance, feed rate and viscosity using a 20kV electrospinning equipment to produce nanofibers and nanofibrous scaffolds were conducted. The chemical structures, morphologies and thermal properties of the developed PCL/Carrageenan blend scaffolds were analyzed. These scaffolds were subjected to in-vitro screening using simulated body fluids (SBF) and in-vivo testing using mice. Results showed that the nanofiber morphology is a function of electrospinning parameters and Carrageenan content. The increase in glass transition temperature was also a function of Carrageenan content of the blend. Bioactive nanofibrous scaffold has shown bioactivity when subjected to in vitro screening using simulated body fluids (SBF). SEM micrographs exhibited bone tissue growth on the scaffolds with 10% carrageenan content. Animal implantation studies revealed that the nanofibrous scaffold invoked no adverse tissue response. Post implantation in mice showed no evidence of adverse inflammation. Edema was not observed at the site of the scaffold implantation and no evidence of granulomatous reactions. The mice were healthy and no unfavourable physical and physiological responses were observed.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2008: Life Sciences, Medicine & Bio Materials – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 306 - 309
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8504-4