Abstract
Synthetic polymers offer control over composition, architecture, mechanical properties and degradation kinetics. Predictable sterilization of synthetic polymeric scaffolds made from low temperature melting polymers, remains a challenge to clinical translation. We previously demonstrated successful room temperature sterilization of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds (ePCL) using peracetic acid (PA). The current paper investigates the effects of PA sterilization on two different scaffolds types—ePCL and commercially available porous polystyrene (Alvetex®) scaffolds using mouse calvarial osteoblasts cell line (MC3T3) and Live-Dead Assay. We report cytotoxicity in PA-treated ePCL scaffolds (PA-ePCL), while control scaffolds strongly supported cell survival. Treatment of PA-ePCL scaffolds with known methods of PA residual elimination (sodium thiosulfate, catalase, washing and aeration) had minimal effect on MC3T3 survival. However, incubation in 80% ethanol for 30 min successfully eliminated the toxic PA residuals and restored scaffold cytocompatibility. On the other hand, PA treatment of Alvetex® scaffolds induced diametrically opposite effects: cell survival and proliferation was enhanced after PA exposure and these responses were reversed following ethanol wash. These results suggest that PA treatment can induce different biological effects based on polymer chemistry and scaffold architecture and presents interesting opportunities to modulate biological properties of tissue engineering scaffolds.
Highlights
Organ failure due to infection, injury or disease is a major health care issue that places enormous burden on the national economy
Having introduced peracetic acid (PA) previously, we focused on evaluating its adsorption potential and cytotoxic effects on electrospun PCL scaffolds
Having observed the reversal of cytotoxicity in PA-electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds (ePCL) after ethanol quenching, we evaluated if these biological effects were stable over time
Summary
Organ failure due to infection, injury or disease is a major health care issue that places enormous burden on the national economy. Restoration of structure and function of these tissues is essential for maintenance of quality of life. Current strategies include transplantation of grafts, mechanical devices and artificial prostheses. Neither of these options result in satisfactory long-term outcomes. Tissue engineering is a promising strategy that attempts to create functional tissues by implanting synthetic or natural biomaterials that eventually are replaced by host tissue [1]. Strategies promoting tissue regeneration include cell-based approaches
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