Abstract
Conjugated polymers have been proposed as promising materials for scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. However, the restricted processability and biodegradability of conjugated polymers limit their use for biomedical applications. Here we synthesized a block-co-polymer of aniline tetramer and PCL (AT–PCL), and processed it into fibrous non-woven scaffolds by electrospinning. We showed that fibronectin (Fn) adhesion was dependent on the AT–PCL oxidative state, with a reduced Fn unfolding length on doped membranes. Furthermore, we demonstrated the cytocompatibility and potential of these membranes to support the growth and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells over 21 days.
Highlights
IntroductionCell therapies and tissue engineering have been increasingly considered as new therapeutic strategies to treat large bone defects or non-union fractions.[1,2,3] Recreating the complexity of native tissue through three-dimensional (3D) constructs, cell-material biografts, or biomaterials in general remains incredibly challenging.[4] Importantly, cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and subsequent tissue formation, as well as clinical outcome, are strongly dependent on the choice of scaffold design, the ability of cells to interact with the material, and the successful creation of an artificial microenvironment
For several decades, cell therapies and tissue engineering have been increasingly considered as new therapeutic strategies to treat large bone defects or non-union fractions.[1,2,3] Recreating the complexity of native tissue through three-dimensional (3D) constructs, cell-material biografts, or biomaterials in general remains incredibly challenging.[4]
Phytic acid has been reported as a stable dopant for poly(aniline),[28] and we hypothesized that this non-toxic acid would work comparably in the designed system
Summary
Cell therapies and tissue engineering have been increasingly considered as new therapeutic strategies to treat large bone defects or non-union fractions.[1,2,3] Recreating the complexity of native tissue through three-dimensional (3D) constructs, cell-material biografts, or biomaterials in general remains incredibly challenging.[4] Importantly, cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and subsequent tissue formation, as well as clinical outcome, are strongly dependent on the choice of scaffold design, the ability of cells to interact with the material, and the successful creation of an artificial microenvironment. The initial adsorbance of proteins to a material is critical in determining and controlling cell adhesion, immune response, and overall performance of an implant, and is a key consideration during biomaterial design.[11] This is the case when using conjugated polymer-based materials, where the oxidation state of the polymer strongly determines material properties and is responsive to the local environment. The ability to tune redox states by choice of dopant or synthesis strategy thereby renders conjugated polymers
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