Silk–PVA Hybrid Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Enhanced Primary Human Meniscal Cell Proliferation

Abstract

In this study, silk fibroin nanofibrous scaffolds were developed to investigate the attachment and proliferation of primary human meniscal cells. Silk fibroin (SF)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with different blend ratios (2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) were prepared. Morphology of the scaffolds was characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hybrid nanofibrous mats were crosslinked using 25 % (v/v) glutaraldehyde vapor. In degradation study, the crosslinked nanofiber showed slow degradation of 20 % on weight after 35 days of incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF). The scaffolds were characterized with suitable techniques for its functional groups, porosity, and swelling ratio. Among the nanofibers, 3:1 SF:PVA blend showed uniform morphology and fiber diameter. The blended scaffolds had fluid uptake and swelling ratio of 80 % and 458 ± 21 %, respectively. Primary meniscal cells isolated from surgical debris after meniscectomy were subcultured and seeded onto these hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds. Meniscal cell attachment studies confirmed that 3:1 SF:PVA nanofibrous scaffolds supported better cell attachment and growth. The DNA and collagen content increased significantly with 3:1 SF:PVA. These results clearly indicate that a blend of SF:PVA at 3:1 ratio is suitable for meniscus cell proliferation when compared to pure SF-PVA nanofibers.

Zein nanoparticle‐embedded electrospun PVA nanofibers as wound dressing for topical delivery of anti‐inflammatory diclofenac

“…However compared to the PVA, zein NPs‐loaded nanofibers showed higher cell attachment and proliferation. This may be due to the relatively poor cell attachment property of PVA because of its high hydrophilic nature resulting in lack of cell adhesion proteins on PVA mat at initial culture stage . The addition of zein NPs enhanced the bioactivity and cell affinity of the composite scaffolds as seen in Figure .…”

Tissue engineering of human knee meniscus using functionalized and reinforced silk‐polyvinyl alcohol composite three‐dimensional scaffolds: Understanding the in vitro and in vivo behavior

“…The filtered AESM powder below 0.5 µm size was used as a reinforcement matrix. 3:1 (w/v) concentration of silk (SF) and PVA was selected based on our previous study . Isolation and purification of SF and preparation of PVA solution were followed as per our previous publication …”

“…3:1 (w/v) concentration of silk (SF) and PVA was selected based on our previous study. 9 Isolation and purification of SF and preparation of PVA solution were followed as per our previous publication. 9 The multiscale 3D scaffold preparation was based on the optimized concentration of SF and PVA blend as major polymeric matrix followed by use of AESM as reinforcement agent and UCM for enhancing meniscal cell proliferation.…”

“…In this context, a hybrid SF‐PVA scaffold is expected to show comparable properties of native meniscus tissue and further regeneration. Our earlier study revealed that among the different blend ratios of SF‐PVA, 3:1 ratio nanofibrous scaffolds were found to be more suitable in terms of meniscus cell attachment, proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis …”

“…Our earlier study revealed that among the different blend ratios of SF-PVA, 3:1 ratio nanofibrous scaffolds were found to be more suitable in terms of meniscus cell attachment, proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. 9 Furthermore, natural egg shell membrane (ESM) possesses composition similar to cartilage ECM and its mechanical property also matches the cartilage tissue. 10 In our previous study, autoclaved egg shell membrane (AESM), a naturally collagen rich matrix mimicking the ECM components of the knee meniscus cartilage, was also found to be a suitable bio-matrix for the growth of meniscus cells.…”