Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Blend Fibrous Polyethylene Oxide:Polycaprolactone Scaffolds to Promote Cartilage Regeneration

Abstract

Fibrous scaffolds can be used to mimic the structure of cartilage extracellular matrix aiming at cartilage regeneration through optimal utilization of such scaffolds and chondrogenic cells. Herein, different types of fibrous structures are manufactured through electrospinning of blends of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polycaprolactone (PCL), and the physical and chemical characteristics of the produced fiber mats are investigated. The amount of PEO influenced hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and mechanical properties of the blend fibers. To assess the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the scaffolds as well as the effect of fiber orientation, in vitro cell culture studies with a chondrogenic cell line (ATDC5) are conducted. The results show no cytotoxicity of the developed fibrous structures. A promising fibrous scaffold technology is presented with potential applications in cartilage tissue engineering.