G-3474

2025-10-19 19:23

Written by ARCIMS 26 ARCIMS 26 in Sunday 2025-10-19 19:23

Electrospinning of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)-gelatin methacrylol/hydroxyapatite: A novel path toward tissue engineering

 Maryam Sarrami 1 ©, Pooriya Sarrami 2 ℗   

 School of Medicine, The Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Independent Branch, Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran

 Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Email: sarrami10@gmail.com
 

 


 
Abstract

1. Introduction: Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing trend to investigate various aspects of tissue engineering with the aim of overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches, such as limited transplanted tissue, adverse immune responses, and cost-intensiveness. Due to the complexities in the choice of appropriate method and biomaterials to fabricate an efficient tissue-engineered scaffold, however, the standardized and commercialized implantable constructs have not yet been fabricated. Polymer-based biomaterials have become an emerging approach due to their biodegradation capability and the inclusion of a wide range of mechanical properties, resulting in tissue-construct mechanical analogy and the prevention of the stress-shielding effect. Mimicking the tissue (e.g. cornea) microstructure and possessing a high surface-to-volume ratio, electrospinning has been promoted as a promising method of scaffold processing. This study has assessed physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics of the electrospun poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-gelatin methacrylol (GelMa)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofibrous structures. 2. Methods and Materials: Firstly, 9 w/v% PHB and 10 w/w% GelMa were dissolved in a sufficient amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solvent (Solution 1). Simultaneously, HA nanoparticles were dispersed in 0.2 ml of TFA (Solution 2), and subsequently, Solution 1 was introduced to Solution 2, followed by rigorous stirring, to obtain a homogeneous solution with a final HA concentration of 5, 10, or 15 w/w%. The samples were subjected to SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, BET, and thermal analyses along with contact angle and tensile test measurements. To evaluate the biological features of the scaffolds, the biodegradation and in vitro examinations were performed. 3. Results: The average fiber diameter (AFD) has increased significantly (p 0.05) by adding HA. The EDS results have proved the presence of HA nanoparticles within the samples. The increased crystallinity of the nanocomposite scaffolds has been demonstrated based on the results of XRD and thermal characterization methods. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposite scaffolds have increased significantly (p 0.05) compared to the polymeric ones. Adding HA has caused a significant impact (p 0.05) on the biological behavior of the prepared scaffolds. 4. Conclusion and Discussion: The significant increment in the AFD of the samples is owing to the creation of bonds between HA and the polymeric phase, confirmed by FTIR results. Because of the higher crystallinity value of bioceramics compared to polymers, the nanocomposite scaffolds are more crystalline than polymeric ones. The mechanical and biological properties of the HA-containing samples have been significantly enhanced due to the superior stiffness and biocompatibility of HA, respectively. Overall, the PHB-GelMa/HA scaffold has the potential for corneal tissue regeneration.


Keywords: Tissue engineering, Cornea, Nanofibers, Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate), Regenerative medicine

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