RGD peptide and graphene oxide co-functionalized PLGA nanofiber scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.

Yong Cheol Shin,Jin-Woo Oh,Jeonghyo Kim,Sung Eun Kim,Dong-Wook Han,Suong-Hyu Hyon,Jong-Chul Park,Su-Jin Song,Jaebeom Lee,Suck Won Hong

doi:10.1093/rb/rbx001

Abstract

In recent years, much research has been suggested and examined for the development of tissue engineering scaffolds to promote cellular behaviors. In our study, RGD peptide and graphene oxide (GO) co-functionalized poly(lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) (RGD-GO-PLGA) nanofiber mats were fabricated via electrospinning, and their physicochemical and thermal properties were characterized to explore their potential as biofunctional scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the RGD-GO-PLGA nanofiber mats were readily fabricated and composed of random-oriented electrospun nanofibers with average diameter of 558 nm. The successful co-functionalization of RGD peptide and GO into the PLGA nanofibers was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, the surface hydrophilicity of the nanofiber mats was markedly increased by co-functionalizing with RGD peptide and GO. It was found that the mats were thermally stable under the cell culture condition. Furthermore, the initial attachment and proliferation of primarily cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) on the RGD-GO-PLGA nanofiber mats were evaluated. It was revealed that the RGD-GO-PLGA nanofiber mats can effectively promote the growth of VSMCs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the RGD-GO-PLGA nanofiber mats can be promising candidates for tissue engineering scaffolds effective for the regeneration of vascular smooth muscle.

Highlights

In recent years, much research has focused on the development of novel combinative approaches to support cellular behaviors
It was shown that the RGD-graphene oxide (GO)-PLGA nanofiber mats have a three-dimensional network structure resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and the RGD peptide and GO were evenly co-functionalized in the mats
The physicochemical and thermal properties of RGD-GO-PLGA nanofiber mats are suitable for supporting cell growth

Summary

Introduction

Much research has focused on the development of novel combinative approaches to support cellular behaviors. As part of an effort to promote cellular behaviors, tissue engineering has emerged and many studies have been suggested and examined for the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds [1,2,3,4,5]. An ideal scaffold should provide an appropriate microenvironment for the growth of cells, but should guide the cellular behaviors. There have been intense efforts to design artificial scaffolds having the capability to promote cellular behaviors.

Methods

Results

Conclusion