Shape memory electrospun nonwovens based on crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) for multifunctional biological applications

Abstract

In this work we have explored the capabilities of an electrospun mat, realized in crosslinked poly(εcaprolactone), to be employed as a scaffold for specific biological applications. Its shape memory behavior was here exploited to easily control fiber orientation and to guide cellular alignment. Randomly oriented mats were transformed in a stable shape with various degrees of fiber alignment by simply varying the maximum strain applied throughout proper thermo-mechanical cycles. The effect of fiber alignment was investigated both on mechanical properties and on cell culture, through biological characterization done by using Neural Stem Cells derived from human iPSCs (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells). Further, thanks to the thermal stability of the microfibrous structure, it was possible to transfer, through inkjet printing on the electrospun, a biocompatible sensing element, which successfully allowed to monitor cell adhesion (L6 Myoblast) in an innovative way under dynamic conditions.

Manufacturing of polycaprolactone - Graphene fibers for nerve tissue engineering

“…Biocompatible scaffolds can be designed to promote the repair of the tissue in different manners starting from providing a physical support for the development and proliferation of the cells and finishing to the direct guidance of the cells growth (Ginestra et al, 2017b(Ginestra et al, , 2017c. Artificial scaffolds consisting of nanofibers have large surface area and high porosity suitable to assure cells attachment and adhesion, showing that electrospinning is a potential strategy to produce biomimetic scaffolds (Ginestra et al, 2016a;Inverardi et al, 2018). The scaffolds produced by electrospinning are characterized by a 3D fibrous architecture and interconnected porosity that make them a suitable option for the neural tissue engineering (Wang et al, 2012).…”

Shape-Memory Materials via Electrospinning: A Review

“…Inverardi et al [139] produced another scaffold based on crosslinked PCL, and instead of changing the microstructure by modifying the electrospinning set-up [140], they took advantage of its SM behavior in modulating the fiber alignment by fixing different temporary shapes with different microstructures. The material is able to fix and recover the temporary and permanent shapes even when high deformation was applied (100%).…”

Hybrid multi-layered scaffolds produced via grain extrusion and electrospinning for 3D cell culture tests

“…A limited number of studies reported the possibility to obtain high aligned fibers by the modification of the collector geometry (Li et al , 2003; Li et al , 2004) or the optimization of the melt ES writing process (Wunner et al , 2018). To improve the deficiency of mechanical properties of electrospun fibers, several studies have demonstrated various blending systems, process parameters designs, and post-processing treatments (Inverardi et al , 2018). Furthermore, elctrospinning has been modified or combined with various other fabrication methods (Castells-Sala et al , 2013; Ginestra et al , 2017a; Ginestra et al , 2016).…”