Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells Interaction and Proliferation on PCL/PLLA Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffold

Abstract

Numerous synthetic materials have been used for the bladder reconstruction; of which, nano-structured scaffolds are used as relevant implant to the bladder tissue-engineering. The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of Poly ε-caprolactone/poly-L-lactide acid (PCL/PLLA) nanofibrous scaffold, in supporting the maintenance and attachment of the human bladder smooth muscle cells (BdSMCs). In this study, BdSMCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion method. Then, cells were seeded on PCL/PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds. Thereafter, cell attachment and expansion were analyzed by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E), immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay confirmed that the nano-structured scaffold supported and maintained normal cell viability without inducing cytotoxic events. H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and SEM showed that BdSMCs were attached and expanded on PCL/PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds after 14 days. Cell viability of BdSMCs on PCL/PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds increased during 14 days. Our results showed that the novel porous nanofibrous electrospun scaffold is a biocompatible structure for attachment and adhesion of BdSMCs. However, there is not enough information on the stimulating effect of this nanofiber on the cells. Therefore, further in-vivo studies seem required to confirm such a nanofiber to be used in the bladder tissue-engineering.