Characterization of Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Extracellular Matrix Nanofibers Composite Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

Electrospun nanofibers have shown significant potential as an origin for forming cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds. Acellular extracellular matrices have been incorporated into nanofiber scaffolds to more closely replicate the extracellular niche. The aim of this study was to investigate the electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone)/extracellular matrix (PCL/ECM) and its mechanical and biological behavior for tissue engineering. PCL and PCL/ECM scaffolds were prepared via electrospinning of the 10% (w/v) solution contain PCL and PCL/ECM by dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions. The MTT technique was used to study the survival and proliferation of human adipose-derived stem cells in scaffold. The morphology, stability, and scaffold surface properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength test, water absorption, and contact angle measurement. The PCL/ECM electrospinning scaffold showed significant increase in hydrophobicity, water absorption, and tensile strength compared to PCL electrospinning scaffold. The porosity and diameter of the fibers in the scaffold had a relative reduction. Moreover, the viability and proliferation of cells on the seventh day showed a significant increase. The results of this study showed that adding extracellular matrix to PCL scaffold improves the properties of the scaffold for tissue engineering.