Producing and characterizing PCL/PA6 three dimensional nanofibrous scaffolds for tendons and ligaments regeneration

摘要

Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and biology to develop biological substitutes to repair, replace or improve the cell functions, tissues or organs, damaged by congenital defects, trauma or aging. Three-dimensional scaffold systems promote cell growth and proliferation, providing a physiological and mechanical environment suitable for cell culture. Scaffold materials should mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and its complex features, enhance fluid transport within the matrix (O2 and nutrients) and favor the disposal of metabolic wastes. The aim of this work is to design and fabricate 3D biodegradable electrospun nanofibrous structures, which can provide adequate environment and bio-signals for cells. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Polyamide 6 (PA6) were selected to produce the scaffold, due to their biocompatjbility, slow degradability, non toxicity and high mechanical properties. The polymers blends were dissolved in an innovative dissolvent system composed by Acetic acid and Formic acid, which are less toxic than the common organic solvents used for PCL dissolution. The overall scaffold architecture, its structure at micro and nanoscale, its chemical composition and mechanical properties were optimized. The control of the degradation kinetics and the homogeneous cell distribution was investigate to guarantee a successful therapy. The results of this study suggest that the PCL/PA6 nanofibrous scaffold might be interesting alternative for tendons and ligaments regeneration.