The role of BSA protein on the skin regeneration ability of electrospun PCL/HA scaffolds, kinetics of release and essential in vitro tests

Abstract

This study focused on the skin regeneration ability of hybrid polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds incorporated by hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The scaffolds were synthesized by the electrospinning method, and their microstructure, molecular groups, wettability, swelling, porosity, and mechanical properties were characterized. The results showed that the HA NPs and BSA protein could be incorporated within the PCL fibers without a significant effect on the main molecular groups of the PCL structure. Incorporation of both the HA NPs and BSA protein could reduce the superhydrophobicity of the PCL scaffold to the required amount for skin regeneration. It was also found that the incorporation of mentioned elements increased the water uptake by PCL fibrous scaffolds, and decreased the mechanical properties. The kinetics of BSA release from the hybrid scaffolds was also investigated. The Higuchi model was the best-fitting model to explain the protein release from the electrospun products. The cytocompatibility of scaffolds was evaluated by the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and the higher ability of the PCL/BSA scaffold for skin regeneration was confirmed.