(Macro)Molecular Imprinting of Proteins on PCL Electrospun Scaffolds

Abstract

Biological recognition sites are very useful for biomedical purposes and, more specifically, for polymeric scaffolds. However, synthetic polymers are not capable of providing specific biological recognition sites. To solve this inconvenience, functionalization of biological moieties is typically performed, oftentimes via peptide binding. In this sense, the main task is capturing the biological complexity of a protein. This study proposes a possible alternative solution to this challenge. Our approach is based on the combination of molecular imprinting (MI) and electrospinning processes. We propose here an alternative MI approach with polymeric structures, instead of using cross-linkers and monomers as conventionally performed. Different PCL–protein scaffolds were produced via electrospinning before performing MI. Gelatin, collagen, and elastin were used as proteins. Results evidenced that the MI process conducted with PCL electrospun membranes was carried out with ionic interactions between the desired molecules and the recognition sites formed. In addition, it has been proved that MI was more efficient when using gelatin as a template. This approach opens a new stage in the development of recognition sites in scaffolds obtained with synthetic polymers and their application for biomedical purposes.

Chain-End Functionalization of Poly(ε-caprolactone) for Chemical Binding with Gelatin: Binary Electrospun Scaffolds with Improved Physico-Mechanical Characteristics and Cell Adhesive Properties

“…In recent publications, two types of solvents have been used for ES of PCL/Gt composites, fluorinated alcohols [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 36 , 39 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 49 , 51 ] and carboxylic acids (AcOH, HCOOH) [ 32 , 34 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 50 , 65 ]. In the present study, we set ourselves the task to provide rather high (but not excessive) chemical bonding between NHS-functionalized PCL and Gt macromolecules as a result of the reaction of NHS-terminated PCL with amino groups of Gt.…”

“…Gelatin (Gt) is a hydrophilic and non-immunogenic natural-origin polymer that promotes cell adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation [ 21 ]. PCL/Gt-based ES composite nano- and microfibers seem to be promising for different biomedical applications [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], and the studies of PCL/Gt ES scaffolds have intensified significantly in recent years [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Near-Field Electrospinning: Crucial Parameters, Challenges, and Applications

“…However, there is still room for improvement by investigating novel approaches to produce thinner and bioactive fibers via NFES. More specifically, synthetic polymers are not ideal for cell adhesion and do not provide cells with specific biological recognition sites . To overcome these problems, scientists have been working on strategies to electrospin proteins or functionalize the fibers with various biopolymers after electrospinning. − Given that the high voltages required for conventional electrospinning are detrimental to the tertiary structure of the proteins and performing postprocessing treatments on the fibers is usually not efficient, future research can aim to prepare near-field electrospun proteins or incorporate different biopolymers into the fibers during or before the spinning process.…”

Selective Recognition of Kanamycin via Molecularly Imprinted Nanosensor

“…The structural characterization of the nanofilm surfaces was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nicolet iS10, Waltham, MA, USA). combination of SPR and MIT is widely used in the detection of cells [20], pathogens [21,26], biomolecules [27,28], drugs [29], antibiotics [30][31][32], etc.…”

“…The molecular imprinting technique (MIT) is a powerful tool to create selective recognition regions on the surface of interest [7,[13][14][15][16]. There are many applications such as drug delivery [17], diagnostics [18], biosensors [19], forensic science [20], regenerative medicine [21], tissue engineering [22], etc. that is used effectively and successfully to obtain high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.…”