Ultraporous nanofeatured PCL-PEO microfibrous scaffolds enhance cell infiltration, colonization and myofibroblastic differentiation

Nanoscale. 2015 Sep 28;7(36):14989-95. doi: 10.1039/c5nr04244e. Epub 2015 Aug 26.

Abstract

In the field of tissue engineering, integration of micro-porosity, nano-topogaphical features and weattability into one three-dimensional (3D) scaffold remains a challenge. The extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking feature of electrospun fibers endows them wide applications in tissue engineering. However, the tight-packing of electrospun submicron fibers hinder cell infiltration and further colonization. In this study, we fabricated hydrophilic, micro-porous scaffolds with nano-topographical cues by one-step electrospinning, and investigated NIH3T3 fibroblasts cell infiltration, colonization and myofibroblastic differentiation. The hierarchical porosity enhanced cell infiltration and proliferation significantly. Besides, the nano-topography influenced the cell actin distribution and cell morphology that stimulated myofibroblastic differentiation in a drastically different manner from that of traditional solid, smooth electrospun fibers, which may hold great potential in reconstructing tissues that require strong contractile forces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Myofibroblasts / cytology
  • Myofibroblasts / metabolism*
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Porosity
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*