Abstract
The design of hybrid poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)-self-assembling peptides (SAPs) matrices represents a simple method for the surface functionalization of synthetic scaffolds, which is essential for cell compatibility. This study investigates the influence of increasing concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15% w/w SAP compared to PCL) of three different SAPs on the physico-chemical/mechanical and biological properties of PCL fibers. We demonstrated that physico-chemical surface characteristics were slightly improved at increasing SAP concentrations: the fiber diameter increased; surface wettability increased with the first SAP addition (2.5%) and slightly less for the following ones; SAP-surface density increased but no change in the conformation was registered. These results could allow engineering matrices with structural characteristics and desired wettability according to the needs and the cell system used. The biological and mechanical characteristics of these scaffolds showed a particular trend at increasing SAP concentrations suggesting a prevailing correlation between cell behavior and mechanical features of the matrices. As compared with bare PCL, SAP enrichment increased the number of metabolic active h-osteoblast cells, fostered the expression of specific osteoblast-related mRNA transcripts, and guided calcium deposition, revealing the potential application of PCL-SAP scaffolds for the maintenance of osteoblast phenotype.
Highlights
Most of the synthetic polymers used used in engineering of cells are characterized by good mechanical and physical properties but are usually hydrophobic and often lack suitable biocompatible molecular sites for communicating with target cells
Heydarkhan-Hagvall S. et al [35] showed that the inclusion of poly- ε-caprolactone (PCL) in electrospun collagen/elastin or gelatin provides matrices that have mechanical and biological properties better than the scaffolds only made with collagen/elastin, or gelatin whose structure must be strengthened by means of crosslinking with glutaraldehyde
An understanding of the mechanisms involved in the adhesion of cells to biomaterials improves the knowledge of the cellular processes and allows us to identify new strategies in supporting tissue wound healing or, in preventing the anchorage of tumorigenic cells during cancer metastatic progression. In this important line of investigation, this study proposes the characterization of electrospun fibrous PCL scaffolds containing increasing concentrations of SAPs
Summary
Our aims were to: i) correct the high hydrophobicity of PCL and lack of biochemical signals; ii) rectify the excessive softness of peptide hydrogels
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