Preparation and properties of a magnetic field responsive three-dimensional electrospun polymer scaffold

Abstract

Abstract In tissue engineering a permeable 3D fibrous macrostructure with high surface area is desired for cell attachment and growth. In this paper novel experimental technique is reported to prepare 2D and 3D fibrous scaffolds by reactive electrospinning as a potential matrix for cell culturing. The sub-micrometer sized fibrous scaffolds were synthesized from chemically cross-linked poly(succinimide) molecules (anhydrous form of poly(aspartic acid)). Magnetically active particles of what the size distribution was determined by small- and wide angle X-ray scattering were incorporated into the fibers. The morphology of loaded and unloaded fibers was studied by light- and atomic force microscopy. It was found that coupling elastic and magnetic properties within the 3D flexible scaffold enables continuous non-contact mode of mechanical agitation by external magnetic field. These unique properties can be exploited in cell culturing or in magnetic hyperthermia in solid-like matrix.