Fabrication of tri-polymers composite film with high cyclic stability and rapid degradation for cardiac tissue engineering

Abstract

In this communication, biodegradable and highly elastic silk fibroin/poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/polyethylene oxide (SF/PLCL/PEO) tri-polymers composite film was fabricated by sol–gel casting technology. The tri-polymers composite film exhibited a high cycle performance and rapid degradation rate by regulating the content of blending of the three polymer contents. The viability of cardiomyocyte cells was demonstrated for both SF/PLCL and SF/PLCL/PEO composite films after 1 day of culture, although the tri-polymers composite film demonstrated superior cell growth, attachment and spreading after culturing for 7 days. Study findings support the potential application of this biocompatible tri-polymers composite film as a heart patch substitute with multi-functionalities.