Optimization of Polydopamine Coatings onto Poly-ε-Caprolactone Electrospun Fibers for the Fabrication of Bio-Electroconductive Interfaces.

Simona Zuppolini,Anna Borriello,Iriczalli Cruz-Maya,Vincenzo Guarino

doi:10.3390/jfb11010019

Abstract

In recent years, mussel adhesive proteins have attracted much attention because they can form strong adhesive interface interactions with various substrates in a wet environment. Inspired by their catechol- and amine-based molecular structure, polydopamine (PDA), a dopamine derived synthetic eumelanin polymer, was recognized as a suitable bio-interface coating. PDA was successfully used to improve adhesion due to the availability of copious functional groups for covalently immobilizing biomolecules and anchoring reactive species and ions. Recently, it has been demonstrated that PDA and its derivatives can be successfully used for the surface modification of implants interfaces to modulate in vitro cellular responses in order to enhance the in vivo functionality of biomedical implants (i.e., prosthesis). Herein, we propose the development of multifunctional scaffolds based on polyε–caprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers coated with PDA via electro fluid dynamic methods, by optimizing polymerization/oxidation reactions capable of driving PDA self–assembly, and, ultimately, investigating the effects on cell response. Morphological analyses have confirmed the possibility to obtain different surface topographies as a function of the coating process while in vitro studies proved the ability of PDA coating to interact with cells no compromising in vitro viability. In perspective, in vitro conductive properties of fibers will be further investigated in order to validate their promising use as bioconductive interfaces for tissue engineering applications.

Highlights

The design and fabrication of biocompatible materials achieving specific performances in biomedical applications still represents a significant issue
We propose the development of multifunctional scaffolds based on polyε–caprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers coated with PDA via electro fluid dynamic methods, by optimizing polymerization/oxidation reactions capable of driving PDA self–assembly, and, investigating the effects on cell response
We report about the development of PCL fibrous platforms coated with PDA by electrofluidodynamic (EFD) deposition techniques

Summary

Introduction

The design and fabrication of biocompatible materials achieving specific performances in biomedical applications still represents a significant issue. Among diverse 3D structures, fibrous scaffolds are considered advantageous for the unique properties at micro and submicrometric scale (i.e., high surface area/volume ratio, reduced fiber diameter, high porosity and light weight) [1] Their peculiar architecture is able to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) properties influencing cell attachment and being useful in functional systems as scaffolds for cell culture, tissue engineering and medical textiles [2]. Being a semicrystalline hydrophobic polymer, PCL shows poor cell adhesion and stimulation of cell activities This limitation can be overcome by providing hydrophilic groups to enhance both cell adhesive properties and creating an environment favorable for proliferation and cell interactions [2]. The PDA ability of modulating specific in vitro cellular responses is due, to its hydrophilicity, and to the electrical properties provided by the π–electron system [10]

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Conclusion