Wetspun Polymeric Fibrous Systems as Potential Scaffolds for Tendon and Ligament Repair, Healing and Regeneration

Abstract

Tendon and ligament traumatic injuries are among the most common diagnosed musculoskeletal problems. Such injuries limit joint mobility, reduce musculoskeletal performance, and most importantly, lower people’s comfort. Currently, there are various treatments that are used to treat this type of injury, from surgical to conservative treatments. However, they’re not entirely effective, as reinjures are frequent and, in some cases, fail to re-establish the lost functionality. Tissue engineering (TE) approaches aim to overcome these disadvantages by stimulating the regeneration and formation of artificial structures that resemble the original tissue. Fabrication and design of artificial fibrous scaffolds with tailored mechanical properties are crucial for restoring the mechanical function of the tissues. Recently, polymeric nanofibers produced by wetspinning have been largely investigated to mimic, repair, and replace the damaged tissue. Wetspun fibrous structures are extensively used due to their exceptional properties, such as the ability to mimic the native tissue, their biodegradability and biocompatibility, and good mechanical properties. In this review, the tendon and ligament structure and biomechanics are presented. Then, promising wetspun multifunctional fibrous structures based on biopolymers, more specifically polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyethylenes, will be discussed, as well as reinforcing agents such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), nanoparticles, and growth factors.

Biological properties of polycaprolactone and barium titanate composite in biomedical applications

“…It would also be necessary to add growth factors to obtain suitable properties for adequate tissue regeneration. 22 Degradation studies of non-woven materials consisting of PCL nanofibers in vitro and in vivo revealed that electrospun PCL materials disintegrated considerably faster in vivo than in vitro, owing to enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation of PCL. 23 Polycaprolactone/ β-Tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) composite scaffolds break down more quickly in vivo than PCL homopolymer scaffolds after six months.…”

“…It would also be necessary to add growth factors to obtain suitable properties for adequate tissue regeneration. 22 …”

Developments of Core/Shell Chitosan-Based Nanofibers by Electrospinning Techniques: A Review

“…There are various methods to produce fiber materials, such as gel-state fiber forming, solution blowing, melt-spinning [36], microfluidics [37], and solution spinning [38]. Spinning techniques include dry-jet wet spinning, dry spinning, wet spinning, gel spinning, melt-spinning, and electrospinning [39]. The forces used can be classified into pressurized air, centrifugal forces, and electric voltage to eject a jet of polymer solution or melt from the nozzle tip and to deposit the produced fibers on the collector [40][41][42].…”

Influence of PHA Substrate Surface Characteristics on the Functional State of Endothelial Cells

“…Engineering of biologically active surfaces in vascular reconstructions is associated with the study and creation of micro/nanostructured surface reliefs that mimic the characteristics of the extracellular matrix and realize their activity in relation to cellular elements through mechanochemical signaling systems [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Morphological and dimensional characteristics of relief elements, as well as the degree of their ordering, can selectively influence the processes of differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”