Abstract
BackgroundCrosslinked gelatin nanofibers are one of the widely used scaffolds for soft tissue engineering. However, modifying the biodegradation rate of chemically crosslinked gelatin is necessary to facilitate cell migration and tissue regeneration. Here, we investigated the optimal electron beam (e-beam) irradiation doses with biodegradation behavior on changes in the molecular weight, morphology, pore structure, and cell proliferation profiles of electrospun nanofibrous gelatin sheets.MethodsThe molecular weights of uncrosslinked gelatin nanofibers were measured using gel permeation chromatography. The morphology and pore structure of the gelatin scaffolds were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and a porosimeter. Biodegradation tests were performed in phosphate-buffered saline solutions for 4 weeks. Cell proliferation and tissue regeneration profiles were examined in fibroblasts using WST-1 assays and hematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsCrosslinked gelatin nanofiber sheets exposed to e-beam irradiation over 300 kGy showed approximately 50% weight loss in 2 weeks. Gelatin scaffolds exposed to e-beam irradiation at 100–200 kGy showed significantly increased cell proliferation after 7 days of incubation.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that the biodegradation and cell proliferation rates of gelatin nanofiber scaffolds could be optimized by varying e-beam irradiation doses for soft tissue engineering.
Highlights
Crosslinked gelatin nanofibers are one of the widely used scaffolds for soft tissue engineering
The molecular weights of gelatin nanofibers irradiated at less than 60 kGy in an N2 atmosphere were increased in comparison with those of nonirradiated gelatin nanofibers
Electrospun gelatin fibrous sheets treated with e-beam irradiation maintained fibrous networks without morphological deformation for both uncrosslinked and crosslinked gelatin (Figs. 1 and 3)
Summary
Crosslinked gelatin nanofibers are one of the widely used scaffolds for soft tissue engineering. Modifying the biodegradation rate of chemically crosslinked gelatin is necessary to facilitate cell migration and tissue regeneration. The high energy of irradiation can cause both crosslinking and degradation of the material and alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the material through main chain scission and crosslinking. After irradiation, excited polymers, such as reactive intermediates, ions, and free radicals, are formed, and these active species create new bonds and alter material properties as a result of initiation or free reaction among the polymer chain [16, 21, 22]. Degradation arises out of high energy in excess of the attractive forces between atoms, rupturing the chemical bonds and causing a decrease in molecular weight. As a result of these reactions, ionizing radiation is related to the lifespan of the materials via crosslinking and chain scission
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
