Hybrid scaffolds enhanced by nanofibers improve in vitro cell behavior for tissue regeneration

Abstract

To construct a biomimetic scaffold with a nanoscale structure similar to that of natural tissue, the objective of this work was to prepare three-dimensional (3D) porous hybrid scaffolds based on gelatin and bacterial cellulose nanofibers for tissue regeneration. The nanofibrous structure, water absorption, and compressive mechanical properties of the scaffolds were studied. The hybrid scaffolds not only give a sufficiently porous structure for efficient nutrient transport and vascularization, but also provide the nanofibrous structure and improve the roughness of the scaffold pore walls. The hybrid scaffolds also exhibit higher modulus as stiffness compared to the pure gelatin scaffold. The viability and morphology of Pig iliac endothelial cells (PIECs) cultured on the 3D scaffolds were examined. PIECs adhered and proliferated better on the stiff hybrid scaffold with nanofibers compared to the soft gelatin scaffold without nanofibers. The results addressed the effect of the nanofibers and the stiffness of scaffolds on cell behavior, and the biomimetic nanofibrous hybrid scaffolds would be highly favorable/desired for tissue regeneration, e.g., skin and urethral regeneration.