Potential core–shell designed scaffolds with a gelatin‐based shell in achieving controllable release rates of proteins for tissue engineering approaches

Abstract

The biomaterials design as core–shell structures opens a new door to the release of susceptible biomolecules in a controllable manner and enables to place natural biomaterials as shell layers to impart the effective biofunctional features at surfaces. In this study, core–shell designed scaffolds were prepared using coaxial electrospinning with hybrid of gelatin (GT)/polycaprolactone (PCL) at different weight ratios as their shell and protein solution as their core, followed by cross‐linking to impart controllable release rates, tunable mechanical properties, and enhanced cytocompatibility. SEM, FM, and TEM confirmed the successful production of uniform core–shell nanofibers and homogeneous protein distribution. Results showed that an increase in GT proportion in the shell resulted in a decrease in fiber diameter, an increase of Young's modulus, and an intense burst release of BSA 0.2% which could be controlled through cross‐linking. The mechanical tests revealed that the GT/PCL combining and cross‐linking improved mechanical properties which correlated with an increase in spreading and proliferation of HUVECs. A slight burst release was also detected from BSA 0.05% and EGF encapsulated GT73P‐cross‐linked scaffold which demonstrated their applicability for a controlled release of dilute proteins. We were able to successfully incorporate two types of protein with different concentrations without supporting polymer into the GT shell to provide scaffolds possessing tunable mechanical properties and controllable release rates through blending with PCL at different ratios and/or cross‐linking. These findings are promising to promote delivery systems of angiogenic growth factors that are needed a sustained release with different rates at each angiogenesis stage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2019.

Electrospinning Fabrication Methods to Incorporate Laminin in Polycaprolactone for Kidney Tissue Engineering

“…The range between three groups was able to be tailored with the maximum variation of 1 lm. Some studies reported similar findings that addition of biomolecules results in thinner fibres [14,23].…”

“…Recently evidence has shown the advantages of protein addition into polymeric scaffolds, with the desired outcome and response due in part to its composition, binding method and presentation [12,13]. However, a major challenge is to preserve the bioactivity, which is important in maintaining cell attachment and behaviour [14,15]. Also additional characteristics can be inadvertently effected by washing and sterilization steps which could cause damage or removal [16,17].…”

“…Alternatively, controlled inclusion of protein into polymer fibres can lead to increased stabilisation and function. While uncontrolled addition can allow large fluctuations in release kinetics which can have advantages and disadvantages [14,18]. Furthermore encapsulation can allow controlled release and protection [19].…”

In vitro and in vivo advancement of multifunctional electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in wound healing applications: Innovative nanofiber designs, stem cell approaches, and future perspectives

“…Wound dressings consisting of electrospun nanofibers mesh made of natural, semi‐synthetic, and fully synthetic polymers have been used. Gelatin, a natural polymer, is widely used in combination with other synthetic biodegradable polymers such as PCL, 113,123,131 Poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone), 122 PLA, 126 PVA, 147 and cellulose acetate 117 to create bioinspired nanofibers for in vitro as well as in vivo wound healing applications. Incorporation of gelatin in nanofibers promotes fibroblasts and keratinocytes attachment, migration, and proliferation, as well as the essential ECM components secretion such as collagens in vitro and speeds up wound healing in vivo due to its fascinating cell‐favorable biological features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity.…”

Doxorubicin hydrochloride‐loaded electrospun poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)/gelatin core–shell nanofibers for controlled drug release

“…20,21 However, since the elasticity of PLCL electrospun fibrous matrices reduces after gamma-ray irradiation and in order to improve cellular interactions with the PLCL fibrous scaffold, a small amount of gelatin (GE) was blended with the PLCL in order to alter the surface hydrophobicity. 5,22 GE is a valuable protein for biomedical industries. Natural biopolymers such as GE and collagen have beneficial effects on biological recognition signals and improve the adhesion, spreading and proliferation of cells remarkably.…”