A Novel Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/Fibroin Hybrid Scaffold to Promote Hepatocyte Viability and Decrease Macrophage Responses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatocellular compatibility and assess the inflammatory response of a novel hybrid scaffold of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and fibroin. The hybrid scaffold was obtained by freezing and lyophilizing a blend of fibroin microspheres and PLLA solution. FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that fibroin microspheres were on the surface of the hybrid scaffold. Compared to the PLLA scaffold, SEM and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) analyses showed that the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells had spread and proliferated much more in the hybrid scaffold. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays indicated a greater number of cells in this hybrid scaffold. Furthermore, a mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cell line was utilized to characterize and compare the mRNA profiles of TNF-alpha using real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inflammatory response of the macrophages grown in the PLLA/fibroin scaffold rapidly declined compared to those in the PLLA scaffold and reached the level of cells grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). The hepatocellular compatibility and lower level of inflammatory response makes the PLLA/fibroin scaffold a promising candidate for hepatic tissue engineering.