Nanometer‐sized extracellular matrix coating on polymer‐based scaffold for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Surface modification can play a crucial role in enhancing cell adhesion to synthetic polymer-based scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. Here, we report a novel approach for layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication of nanometer-size fibronectin and gelatin (FN-G) layers on electrospun fibrous poly(carbonate urethane)urea (PCUU) scaffolds. Alternate immersions into the solutions of fibronectin and gelatin provided thickness-controlled FN-G nano-layers (PCUU(FN-G) ) which maintained the scaffold's 3D structure and width of fibrous bundle of PCUU as evidenced by scanning electron miscroscopy. The PCUU(FN-G) scaffold improved cell adhesion and proliferation of bladder smooth muscles (BSMCs) when compared to uncoated PCUU. The high affinity of PCUU(FN-G) for cells was further demonstrated by migration of adherent BSMCs from culture plates to the scaffold. Moreover, the culture of UROtsa cells, human urothelium-derived cell line, on PCUU(FN-G) resulted in an 11-15 μm thick multilayered cell structure with cell-to-cell contacts although many UROtsa cells died without forming cell connections on PCUU. Together these results indicate that this approach will aid in advancing the technology for engineering bladder tissues in vitro. Because FN-G nano-layers formation is based on nonspecific physical adsorption of fibronectin onto polymer and its subsequent interactions with gelatin, this technique may be applicable to other polymer-based scaffold systems for various tissue engineering/regenerative medicine applications.

Electrospinning: Application and Prospects for Urologic Tissue Engineering

“…Uchida et al showed that the layer-by-layer addition of fibronectin and gelatin (FN-G) on electrospun poly (carbonate-urethane) urea (PCUU) could increase cell adhesion and migration of bladder SMCs. The PCUU FN−G scaffold also supported UROtsa cells, human urothelium-derived cell line, for the formation of a multilayer structure (Uchida et al, 2016). In one study by Baker et al, polystyrene, which is routinely used for the manufacturing of tissue culture vessels, was employed for electrospinning which demonstrated acceptable mechanical strength and biocompatibility.…”

Future Research Directions in the Design of Versatile Extracellular Matrix in Tissue Engineering

“…This engineered matrix significantly promoted preosteoblast proliferation and had potential bone regeneration applications [ 50 ]. In injured bladders, fibronectin showed higher adherence, proving that it exerted a protective effect in hybrid urologic tissue engineering applications [ 51 , 52 ]. The ability of fibronectin to incorporate a myriad of substrates and to direct cell proliferation makes it a favorable candidate for use as a bioactive material in cell culture and tissue regeneration.…”

Biofabrication and biomaterials for urinary tract reconstruction

“…The modified scaffold surfaces demonstrated higher affinity with urothelial and bladder smooth muscle cells compared to uncoated PCUU 90. Garcia-Garcia et al91 treated the surface of poly(3-hydroxybu-tyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by sodium hydroxide hydrolysis.…”