Mechanical and morphological modulation of electrospun polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Electrospinning technologies herald the arrival of a new era in which previously unthinkable scaffolds for tissue engineering applications will be solved efficiently. However, electrospinning techniques, like solution electrospinning and melt electrowriting are held down by fabrications parameters, technology limitations, and the application perse. The science of scaffolding fabrication seeks to mimic the extracellular matrix of a particular tissue in ways that mitigates the damage or enables its pathophysiological study. Thenceforce, scaffolds have the primordial role of not only supporting the cells, but to replicate as close as possible the native extracellular matrix, taking into consideration the biocompatibility, biodegradability, morphology and mechanical properties. The last two properties are pivotal in the scaffold ́s outcome, as cells communicate with the environment, and behave in response to external signals. In context of scaffolds ́ assembly, electrospinning fabrication parameters should be correctly modulated, to ensure an appropriate cellular environment. In this dissertation we attempt to tackle this concern relying on solution electrospinning and melt electrowriting techniques. As potential tissue engineering applications, the recreation of an artificial human trabecular meshwork and a skeletal muscle platform are developed. The mechanical and morphological requirements of each tissue are evaluated and fabrication parameters adapted. An in vitro human trabecular meshwork scaffold was developed and validated with human trabecular meshwork cells ́ behavioral studies. With the development of a perfusion bioreactor human trabecular meshwork cells react to medicaments inducing measurable pressure changes. Finally, an attempt for skeletal muscle platform was made. This first approach enabled us the optimization of the process for next attempts.