Polycaprolactone Collagen Research Articles

Electrospinning-netting of spider-inspired polycaprolactone/collagen nanofiber-nets incorporated with Propolis extract for enhanced wound healing applications

Nanofibers hold significant promise for wound healing applications, but their potential is limited by their large diameter. To overcome this limitation, the development of nanofibrous systems with refined nanonets (approximately 20 nm in diameter) represents a notable improvement. In this study, a composite of polycaprolactone/collagen (PCLC) nano-fiber/nets (NFNs) was fabricated using benign solvents (acetic acid and formic acid) via the electro-spinning/netting (ESN) technique, harnessing the regenerative potential of collagen as a biological macromolecule. Additionally, to enhance the natural attributes of the NFNs structure, Propolis extract, renowned for its wound healing properties, was incorporated. Five ESN solutions were prepared: PCL, PCLC, PCLC/Pro 5 %, PCLC/Pro 10 %, and PCLC/Pro 15 %. NaCl salt was introduced into all ESN solutions to improve nanonets formation. FE-SEM imaging demonstrated successful nano-net formation in all ESN solutions except for the PCL formulation. The fabricated scaffolds exhibited spider-like nanonets with the addition of collagen and further enhanced nano-net formation with Propolis incorporation. Trunk nanofibers showed filamentous structures without any beads, with an average diameter of 164–728 nm, while the diameter of branched fibers (nanonets) was approximately 20 nm. WVTR values of the NFNs were comparable to commercial dressings such as Tegaderm. The results also demonstrated the potent cytoprotective effects of Propolis-loaded NFNs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the viability of HFF-2 cells after 72 h of culture on PCLC NFNs significantly increased compared to PCL nanofibers. The highest cell viability was observed in PCLC/Pro 15 % nanofibers after 24, 48, and 72 h of cell culture, indicating the proliferative effect of Propolis extract in nanoformulated form. Additionally, the scaffolds exhibited a hemocompatibility of <3 %, further highlighting their potential in wound healing therapeutics.

Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells on dihydroartemisinin electrospun nanofibers

BackgroundAdipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising candidate in stem cell therapies, and maintaining their stemness potential is vital to achieve effective treatment. Natural-based scaffolds have been recently attracted increasing attention in nanomedicine and drug delivery. In this study, Dihydroartemisinin (DHART)-loaded polycaprolactone collagen nanofibers (PCL/Col NFs) were constructed as effective biocompatible scaffolds through adjusting the proportions of hydrophobic/ hydrophilic polymers for enhanced osteoblastic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs).ResultsThe designed NFs were characterized through FTIR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, and tensile testing. DHART-loaded PCL/Col electrospun NFs provide an ideal solution, with the potential of sustained drug release as well as inhibition of drug re-crystallization. Interestingly, inhibiting DHART re-crystallization can improve its bioavailability and provide a more effective therapeutic efficacy. Besides, the data set found through FE-SEM, MTT, PicoGreen, qPCR, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays revealed the improved adhesion and proliferation rate of hADSCs cultured on PCL/Col/DHART (5%) NFs after 14 and 21 days of incubation.ConclusionsThese findings confirmed the potential of the designed NF scaffolds for sustained/controlled release of DHART therapeutic molecules toward bone tissue regeneration and engineering.Graphical

Design, Development, and Evaluation of an Interwoven Electrospun Nanotextile Vascular Patch

AbstractThis study details the design and fabrication of woven electrospun nanotextile patches for vascular applications that meet the mechanical and biological requirements. Nanotextile vascular patches based on biodegradable polymers such as poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(caprolactone)/collagen (PCL/Col) are fabricated by integrating the techniques of electrospinning and weaving. Fibrous polymeric nanoyarns obtained by electrospinning are strengthened via different postprocessing techniques of heat‐stretching and plying, to generate interwoven nanotextiles that are tightly packed, mechanically strong, yet flexible. The unique pattern of nanofibers within the nanotextile results in its exceptional anisotropic mechanical behavior, appropriate for a vascular patch material. Moreover, these matrices exhibit good hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, and hemocompatibility, when compared to the commercial controls such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Furthermore, endothelial cells adhered, spread, and proliferate well on the nanotextile. Thus, this study demonstrates that the unique nanofibrous architecture of woven textiles aids in developing a novel biodegradable material, which meets the clinical standards of a vascular patch.

Accelerated Bone Regeneration by MOF Modified Multifunctional Membranes through Enhancement of Osteogenic and Angiogenic Performance

Owing to the insufficient guidance of new bone formation in orthopedic and craniomaxillofacial surgery, construction of a guided bone regeneration membrane to support vascularized bone regeneration remains a challenge. Herein, an electrospun asymmetric double-layer polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/Col) membrane modified by metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals is developed. The optimization of the PCL/Col weight ratio (1:1 and 1:1.5) enables the composite membrane with a balanced tensile strength (only fell by 49.9% in wet conditions) and a controlled degradation rate (completely degraded at 12 weeks). The MOF crystals can provide a pH-responsive release of Zn2+ ions. In vitro experiments indicate that the barrier layer functions to prevent the infiltration of fibrous connective tissue. The MOF crystal layer functions to enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro. Using a rat calvarial defect model, the MOF crystals exhibit a sign of osteoinductivity along with blood vessel formation after 8 weeks post-surgery. Strikingly, when assessed in a chick chorioallantoic membrane model, the MOF modified membrane demonstrates a significant angiogenic response, which can be envisaged as its outstanding merits over the commercially Col membrane. Therefore, the MOF crystals represent an exciting biomaterial option, with neovascularization capacity for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Berberine-releasing electrospun scaffold induces osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs and accelerates bone repair

The repair of skeletal defects in maxillofacial region remains an intractable problem, the rising technology of bone tissue engineering provides a new strategy to solve it. Scaffolds, a crucial element of tissue engineering, must have favorable biocompatibility as well as osteoinductivity. In this study, we prepared berberine/polycaprolactone/collagen (BBR/PCL/COL) scaffolds with different concentrations of berberine (BBR) (25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL) through electrospinning. The influence of dosage on scaffold morphology, cell behavior and in vivo bone defect repair were systematically studied. The results indicated that scaffolds could release BBR stably for up to 27 days. Experiments in vitro showed that BBR/PCL/COL scaffolds had appropriate biocompatibility in the concentration of 25–75 μg/mL, and 50 and 75 μg/mL scaffolds could significantly promote osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Scaffold with 50 μg/mL BBR was implanted into the critical bone defect of rats to evaluate the ability of bone repair in vivo. It was found that BBR/PCL/COL scaffold performed more favorable than polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/COL) scaffold. Overall, our study is the first to evaluate the capability of in vivo bone repair of BBR/PCL/COL electrospun scaffold. The results indicate that BBR/PCL/COL scaffold has prospective potential for tissue engineering applications in bone regeneration therapy.

Designed and fabrication of triple-layered vascular scaffold with microchannels

Currently, one of the best preparation strategies for the triple-layered vascular scaffold is to imitate the three-layer structure of natural blood vessels to achieve the biofunctional characteristics of vascular transplantation. Here, we developed a combinatorial method to fabricate triple-layered vascular scaffold (TVS) by using electrospinning and coaxial 3 D printing. First, Polycaprolactone-collagen (PCL-Col) was applied to prepared the inner layer of TVS by electrospinning. Second, egg white/sodium alginate (EW/SA) blend hydrogel was extruded to form hollow filaments by coaxial 3 D printing and crosslinking mechanism, which enwound around the surface of the inner layer in a circumferential direction as the intermediate layer of TVS. Finally, electrospun PCL-Col nanofibers were wrapped on the surface of hydrogel layer as the outer layer of TVS. The morphological characterization and mechanical strength of the fabricated TVS were measured. Compared with natural blood vessels, results shown that ultimate tensile stress (UTS), strain to failure (STF), the estimated burst strength and the suture retention strength (SRS) of TVS were superior. Also, the fabricated TVS exhibits good hydrophilicity and excellent flexibility. Moreover, the biocompatibility of TVS was investigated through human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the results demonstrated that cells can successfully attach the surface of graft and maintain high viability. In summary, all of results demonstrated that this method could fabricate a novel triple-layered vascular scaffold, possessing appropriate mechanical properties and good biological properties, which has the potential to be used in tissue engineered vascular grafts applications.

GDNF gene-engineered adipose-derived stem cells seeded Emu oil-loaded electrospun nanofibers for axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) activates a cascade of signaling pathways which results in impaired sensory and motor function without restoration of function due to the very limited self-regenerative ability of the spinal cord. As a novel treatment, combination therapy can offer effective repair for SCI regeneration. In this study, a polymeric bioactive scaffold seeded with genetically engineered adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) was designed for SCI axonal regeneration. Materials and methodsEmu oil (EO)-loaded polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/Col) electrospun scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning and were characterized employing FE-SEM and FTIR. ASCs were transduced with a glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-mediated recombinant adenovirus and overexpression of GDNF in infected cells as confirmed using ELISA tests. The cell-seeded scaffolds were transplanted in the lesion site of a contused spinal cord in a rat model. Histological assessments and behavioral examinations were used to evaluate functional recovery and nerve repair 8 weeks after scaffold implantation. ResultsOur study revealed the high viability of ASCs over 14 days on scaffolds. Compared with the control group, the levels of GDNF was significantly increased in transfected ASCs after 24 h (p < 0.05). The rats received scaffolds seeded with ASCs, and GDNF overexpressing ASCs, after eight weeks post-transplantation exhibited significant recovery of motor function as shown by the Basso-Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score results (p < 0.05). Moreover, implanted PCL/Col/EO scaffolds seeded with ASCs/GDNF, reduced the size of the lesion cavity and axonal demyelination while improving locomotor recovery in rats. ConclusionThe results provide promising evidence for the application of combination therapy as a clinically useful treatment for SCI repair.

Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Treatment of the Face and Neck Using Combinations of a PCL-Based Collagen Stimulator, PLLA/PLGA Suspension Sutures, and Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid.

BackgroundCombinations of minimally invasive procedures (MIPs) are often used in aesthetic treatments and are increasingly considered as the new standard of care. Three agents with specific properties are available in this perspective: a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based collagen stimulator, a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)- and a poly-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based resorbable suspension suture with a 3D-cone technology, and a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA).ObjectiveTo develop the first practice guidelines on rejuvenation treatment of the face and the neck using combinations of these agents, whether associated or not with other widely used MIPs such as botulinum neurotoxins or energy-based devices.MethodsA multi-disciplinary, multi-national board of plastic surgeons and dermatologists convened to develop guidelines using a predefined consensus method. The consensus was defined as ≥83% agreement rate between participants.ResultsPractice guidelines and algorithms, describing optimal procedure sequence and spacing, are proposed for the treatment of upper-, mid-, lower-face and neck, combining the PCL collagen stimulator, the PLLA/PLGA suspension sutures, and the cross-linked HA, whether associated or not with other MIPs.ConclusionThese new guidelines provide general support to optimal management strategies. Individual treatment plans should be adapted according to the physician’s individual competence and the patient’s preferences.

Biological Performance of Electrospun Polymer Fibres.

The evaluation of biological responses to polymeric scaffolds are important, given that the ideal scaffold should be biocompatible, biodegradable, promote cell adhesion and aid cell proliferation. The primary goal of this research was to measure the biological responses of cells against various polymeric and collagen electrospun scaffolds (polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) polymers: PCL–drug, PCL–collagen–drug, PLA–drug and PLA–collagen–drug); cell proliferation was measured with a cell adhesion assay and cell viability using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and resazurin assays. The results demonstrated that there is a distinct lack of growth of cells against any irgasan (IRG) loaded scaffolds and far greater adhesion of cells against levofloxacin (LEVO) loaded scaffolds. Fourteen-day studies revealed a significant increase in cell growth after a 7-day period. The addition of collagen in the formulations did not promote greater cell adhesion. Cell viability studies revealed the levels of IRG used in scaffolds were toxic to cells, with the concentration used 475 times higher than the EC50 value for IRG. It was concluded that the negatively charged carboxylic acid group found in LEVO is attracting positively charged fibronectin, which in turn is attracting the cell to adhere to the adsorbed proteins on the surface of the scaffold. Overall, the biological studies examined in this paper are valuable as preliminary data for potential further studies into more complex aspects of cell behaviour with polymeric scaffolds.

Recommendations for volume augmentation and rejuvenation of the face and hands with the new generation polycaprolactone-based collagen stimulator (Ellansé®).

BackgroundThe range of fillers currently available for soft-tissue augmentation is constantly expanding. The latest advances in filler technology include collagen biostimulators that exert their esthetic effect by promoting neocollagenesis. One such product is the next-generation collagen biostimulator (Ellansé®) that demonstrates properties as yet unseen in soft-tissue fillers. It is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres in an aqueous carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier. Given its specific characteristics and the number of areas that can be treated with this innovative product, experts’ recommendations were deemed necessary and are therefore presented in this paper with a specific focus on the indications, treatment areas and procedures as well as injection techniques.MethodsA multinational, multidisciplinary group of plastic surgeons and dermatologists convened to develop recommendations with a worldwide perspective. This publication provides information on the specific characteristics of the product and focuses on the recommendations on the injection techniques.ResultsRecommendations on injection techniques are provided for the upper face, mid-face and lower face and zone by zone for each of these areas, as well as hands. Based on the particular anatomy of each area, the focus is on the techniques and devices of injection and the volume and depth of injection. The information is tabulated, and photos are presented for illustration.ConclusionThese recommendations provide a guideline for physicians who wish to perform safe and efficacious treatment with the PCL collagen stimulator for face and rejuvenation with volume augmentation.

Minocycline Hydrochloride Entrapped Biomimetic Nanofibrous Substitutes for Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Differentiation into Osteogenesis

Hybrid biocomposite nanofibrous structures that mimics native extracellular matrix have been extensively applied for bone tissue engineering (BTE) due to their potential in efficiently inducing cellular response for the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM). This study performed fabrication of uniform porous polycaprolactone (PCL), polycaprolactone/silk fibroin (PCL/SF), polycaprolactone/silk fibroin/minocycline hydrochloride (PCL/SF/MH), polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/COL), and polycaprolactone/collagen/minocycline hydrochloride (PCL/COL/MH) biocomposites nanofibrous scaffolds by electrospinning, for comparing their properties to use in bone tissue regeneration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds revealed porous, beadless, uniform fibers of diameter in the range of 147.13 ± 28.02 to 176.53 ± 22.34 nm and porosity around 82–93 %. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) considered as the novel cell therapeutics were cultured on these electrospun fibrous scaffolds to undergo osteogenic differentiation for BTE. The cell morphology, proliferation, and interactions were analyzed by CMFDA dye extrusion, MTS assay, and FESEM analysis, respectively. Differentiation of ADSCs into osteogenesis was determined by alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization by alizarin red staining, and osteogenic protein expression by immunofluorescence analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of SF and MH to PCL-based scaffolds improved the mechanical stability, interconnected pores, and surface roughness of the scaffolds initiating heightened biological functions such as ADSCs adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization into osteogenesis for bone tissue regeneration. Globally, the rate of bone defects or trauma has been trending upwards and is predicted to rapidly increase by 2020. This is mainly due to the lack of physical activity, age, and increased obese populations. A basic understanding of the morphological characteristics and biological functions of mineralized bone tissue substrates is required for effective clinical treatments. The engineered bone tissue substrates have been potentially used as an alternative to the traditional bone grafts. However using these engineered bone substrates in clinical practices has certain limitations. These limitations can be overcome by the inclusion of natural polymers, growth factors, and stem cells. The current study demonstrates the addition of silk fibroin and minocycline hydrochloride to polycaprolactone-based scaffolds potentially enhanced adipose-derived stem cells differentiation into osteogenesis.

An electrospun polycaprolactone–collagen membrane for the resurfacing of cartilage defects

AbstractA polycaprolactone (PCL)–collagen electrospun mesh is proposed as a novel alternative to the conventional periosteal graft in autologous chondrocyte implantation. This is the first known attempt in designing a cartilage resurfacing membrane using a mechanically resilient PCL mesh with a weight‐average molecular weight of 139 300 that is enhanced with bioactive collagen. PCL–collagen 10, 20 and 40% electrospun meshes (Coll‐10, Coll‐20 and Coll‐40) were evaluated and it was discovered that the retention of surface collagen could only be achieved in Coll‐20 and Coll‐40. Furthermore Coll‐20 was stiffer and stronger than Coll‐40 and it satisfied the mechanical demands at the cartilage implant site. When seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the cells adhered on the surface of the Coll‐20 mesh and they remained viable over a period of 28 days; however, they were unable to infiltrate through the dense meshwork. Cell compatibility was also noted in the chondrogenic environment as the MSCs differentiated into chondrocytes with the expression of Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II. More importantly, the mesh did not induce a hypertrophic response from the cells. The current findings support the use of Coll‐20 as a cartilage patch, and future implantation studies are anticipated. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry