Cell fiber-incorporated electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for tendon/ligament regeneration

Abstract

Nanofibrous scaffolds, which can be conveniently made by electrospinning, are much favored for regenerating human body tissues as they resemble the nanofibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissues. But cell migration in electrospun scaffolds is hindered due to small pore sizes. Embedding cell-laden fibers in the scaffolds can solve the problem. Growth factors (GFs) play important roles in tissue formation and electrospun scaffolds are effective GF-delivery vehicles. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly used in tissue engineering since MSCs can differentiate into targeted types of cells. Among different GFs, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) upregulates gene expression of tendon/ligament specific ECM proteins and facilitates the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs toward fibroblasts. In this study, scaffolds consisting of cell fibers with bone marrow-derived MSCs and bFGF-encapsulated nanofibers were fabricated. PLGA was employed to form bFGFcontaining fibers, and cell fibers were made from Na-alginate solutions. The structure, bFGF release and biological performance of scaffolds were studied. MSCs exhibited high viability and proliferated well in in vitro experiments. A steady and sustained release of bFGF was observed. MSCs in scaffolds encapsulated with bFGF proliferated faster than in the control group, showing the effect of local bFGF delivery.