Electrospinning and mechanical characterization of gelatin nanofibers

Preparation and characterization of electrospun in-situ cross-linked gelatin-graphite oxide nanofibers

Electrospun gelatin(Gel) nanofibers scaffold has such defects as poor mechanical property and quick degradation due to high solubility. In this study, the in situ cross-linked electrospinning technique was used for the production of gelatin nanofibers. Deionized water was chosen as the spinning solvent and graphite oxide (GO) was chosen as the enhancer. The morphological structure, porosity, thermal property, moisture absorption, and moisture retention performance, hydrolysis resistance, mechanical property, and biocompatibility of the produced nanofibers were investigated. Compared with in situ cross-linked gelatin nanofibers scaffold, in situ cross-linked Gel-GO nanofibers scaffold has the following features: (1) the hydrophilicity, moisture absorption, and moisture retention performance slightly reduce, while the hydrolysis resistance is improved; (2) the breaking strength, breaking elongation, and Young's modulus are significantly improved; (3) the porosity slightly reduces while the biocompatibility considerably increases. The in situ cross-linked Gel-GO nanofibers scaffold is likely to be applied in such fields as drug delivery and scaffold for skin tissue engineering.

Nanogel containing electrospun nanofibers as a platform for stable loading of proteins

We designed polysaccharide nanogel-containing nanofibers by electrospinning. This system have a great potential for protein delivery systems.

“Green” nano-filters: fine nanofibers of natural protein for high efficiency filtration of particulate pollutants and toxic gases

By combining the significant properties of nanofibers and the multi-functionality of pure proteins, “green” multifunctional air-filters with high removal efficiency of particulates and toxic gases is achieved.

Preparation of Nanofibers with Renewable Polymers and Their Application in Wound Dressing

Renewable polymers have attracted considerable attentions in the last two decades, predominantly due to their environmentally friendly properties, renewability, good biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioactivity, and modifiability. The nanofibers prepared from the renewable polymers can combine the excellent properties of the renewable polymer and nanofiber, such as high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent performances in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and the analogous physical properties of extracellular matrix. They have been widely used in the fields of wound dressing to promote the wound healing, hemostasis, skin regeneration, and treatment of diabetic ulcers. In the present review, the different methods to prepare the nanofibers from the renewable polymers were introduced. Then the recent progress on preparation and properties of the nanofibers from different renewable polymers or their composites were reviewed; the application of them in the fields of wound dressing was emphasized.

Electrospinning of natural polymers for advanced wound care: towards responsive and adaptive dressings

Nanofibrous dressings produced by electrospinning proteins and polysaccharides are highly promising candidates in promoting wound healing and skin regeneration.

Production and cross-sectional characterization of aligned co-electrospun hollow microfibrous bulk assemblies

The development of co-electrospun (co-ES) hollow microfibrous assemblies of an appreciable thickness is critical for many practical applications, including filtration membranes and tissue-mimicking scaffolds. In this study, thick uniaxially aligned hollow microfibrous assemblies forming fiber bundles and strips were prepared by co-ES of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as shell and core materials, respectively. Hollow microfiber bundles were deposited on a fixed rotating disc, which resulted in non-controllable cross-sectional shapes on a macroscopic scale. In comparison, fiber strips were produced with tuneable thickness and width by additionally employing an x-y translation stage in co-ES. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of cross-sections of fiber assemblies were analyzed to investigate the effects of production time (from 0.5 h to 12 h), core flow rate (from 0.8 mL/h to 2.0 mL/h) and/or translation speed (from 0.2 mm/s to 5 mm/s) on the pores and porosity. We observed significant changes in pore size and shape with core flow rate but the influence of production time varied; five strips produced under the same conditions had reasonably good size and porosity reproducibility; pore sizes didn't vary significantly from strip bottom to surface, although the porosity gradually decreased and then returned to the initial level.

Electrosprayed nanoparticles and electrospun nanofibers based on natural materials: applications in tissue regeneration, drug delivery and pharmaceuticals

Nanotechnology refers to the fabrication, characterization, and application of substances in nanometer scale dimensions for various ends. The influence of nanotechnology on the healthcare industry is substantial, particularly in the areas of disease diagnosis and treatment. Recent investigations in nanotechnology for drug delivery and tissue engineering have delivered high-impact contributions in translational research, with associated pharmaceutical products and applications. Over the past decade, the synthesis of nanofibers or nanoparticles via electrostatic spinning or spraying, respectively, has emerged as an important nanostructuring methodology. This is due to both the versatility of the electrospinning/electrospraying process and the ensuing control of nanofiber/nanoparticle surface parameters. Electrosprayed nanoparticles and electrospun nanofibers are both employed as natural or synthetic carriers for the delivery of entrapped drugs, growth factors, health supplements, vitamins, and so on. The role of nanofiber/nanoparticle carriers is substantiated by the programmed, tailored, or targeted release of their contents in the guise of tissue engineering scaffolds or medical devices for drug delivery. This review focuses on the nanoformulation of natural materials via the electrospraying or electrospinning of nanoparticles or nanofibers for tissue engineering or drug delivery/pharmaceutical purposes. Here, we classify the natural materials with respect to their animal/plant origin and macrocyclic, small molecule or herbal active constituents, and further categorize the materials according to their proteinaceous or saccharide nature.

Preparation and characterization of silk fibroin/poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) nanofibrous membranes for tissue engineering applications

In recent years, silk fibroin has become one of the most promising tissue engineering materials because of its excellent cytocompatibility. Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), the copolymer of poly(l-lactide) and poly(ε-caprolactone), possesses good mechanical properties, and its degradation rates can be manipulated by varying the ratio of the constituent polymers. In this study, in order to combine their respective characteristics, silk fibroin/poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) nanofibrous membranes were fabricated through electrospinning with different mass ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. The surface properties, thermodynamic properties, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of silk fibroin/poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) blended membranes were evaluated, and an optimal blending ratio was identified. The results showed that the silk fibroin/poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) blended membranes containing 75% of silk fibroin and 25% of poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) achieved the most improved performances compared with the single-component membranes or the blended membranes with other mixing ratios. The results from this study indicated that 75/25 silk fibroin/poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) blended membranes which combined the advantages of poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and silk fibroin might be a suitable candidate material for use in tissue engineering.

Biomedical Applications of Magnetically Functionalized Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanofibers

Nanofibers are one-dimensional nanomaterial in fiber form with diameter less than 1 µm and an aspect ratio (length/diameter) larger than 100:1. Among the different types of nanoparticle-loaded nanofiber systems, nanofibers loaded with magnetic nanoparticles have gained much attention from biomedical scientists due to a synergistic effect obtained from the unique properties of both the nanofibers and magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetic nanoparticle-encapsulated or -embedded nanofiber systems can be used not only for imaging purposes but also for therapy. In this review, we focused on recent advances in nanofibers loaded with magnetic nanoparticles, their biomedical applications, and future trends in the application of these nanofibers.

Fabrication of compositionally and topographically complex robust tissue forms by 3D-electrochemical compaction of collagen

Collagen solutions are phase-transformed to mechanically robust shell structures with curviplanar topographies using electrochemically-induced pH gradients. The process enables rapid layer-by-layer deposition of collagen-rich mixtures over the entire field simultaneously to obtain compositionally diverse multilayered structures. The in-plane tensile strength and modulus of the electrocompacted collagen sheet samples were 5200-fold and 2300-fold greater than those of the uncompacted collagen samples. Out-of-plane compression tests showed a 27-fold increase in compressive stress and a 46-fold increase in compressive modulus compared to uncompacted collagen sheets. Cells proliferated 4.9 times faster, and the cellular area spread was 2.7 times greater on compacted collagen sheets. Electrocompaction also resulted in a 2.9 times greater focal adhesion area than on regular collagen hydrogel. The reported improvements in the cell-matrix interactions with electrocompaction would serve to expedite the population of electrocompacted collagen scaffolds by cells. The capacity of the method to fabricate nonlinear curved topographies with compositional heterogeneous layers is demonstrated by sequential deposition of a collagen-hydroxyapatite layer over a collagen layer. The complex curved topography of the nasal structure is replicated by the electrochemical compaction method. The presented electrochemical compaction process is an enabling modality which holds significant promise for reconstruction of a wide spectrum of topographically complex systems such as joint surfaces, craniofacial defects, ears, nose, and urogenital forms.

Protease-degradable electrospun fibrous hydrogels

Electrospun nanofibers are promising in biomedical applications to replicate features of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). However, nearly all electrospun scaffolds are either non-degradable or degrade hydrolytically, whereas natural ECM degrades proteolytically, often through matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, we synthesize reactive macromers that contain protease-cleavable and fluorescent peptides and are able to form both isotropic hydrogels and electrospun fibrous hydrogels through a photoinitiated polymerization. These biomimetic scaffolds are susceptible to protease-mediated cleavage in vitro in a protease dose dependent manner and in vivo in a subcutaneous mouse model using transdermal fluorescent imaging to monitor degradation. Importantly, materials containing an alternate and non-protease-cleavable peptide sequence are stable in both in vitro and in vivo settings. To illustrate the specificity in degradation, scaffolds with mixed fiber populations support selective fiber degradation based on individual fiber degradability. Overall, this represents a novel biomimetic approach to generate protease-sensitive fibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications.

Strategies for regeneration of components of nervous system: scaffolds, cells and biomolecules

Nerve diseases including acute injury such as peripheral nerve injury (PNI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic disease like neurodegeneration disease can cause various function disorders of nervous system, such as those relating to memory and voluntary movement. These nerve diseases produce great burden for individual families and the society, for which a lot of efforts have been made. Axonal pathways represent a unidirectional and aligned architecture allowing systematic axonal development within the tissue. Following a traumatic injury, the intricate architecture suffers disruption leading to inhibition of growth and loss of guidance. Due to limited capacity of the body to regenerate axonal pathways, it is desirable to have biomimetic approach that has the capacity to graft a bridge across the lesion while providing optimal mechanical and biochemical cues for tissue regeneration. And for central nervous system injury, one more extra precondition is compulsory: creating a less inhibitory surrounding for axonal growth. Electrospinning is a cost-effective and straightforward technique to fabricate extracellular matrix (ECM)-like nanofibrous structures, with various fibrous forms such as random fibers, aligned fibers, 3D fibrous scaffold and core-shell fibers from a variety of polymers. The diversity and versatility of electrospinning technique, together with functionalizing cues such as neurotrophins, ECM-based proteins and conductive polymers, have gained considerable success for the nerve tissue applications. We are convinced that in the future the stem cell therapy with the support of functionalized electrospun nerve scaffolds could be a promising therapy to cure nerve diseases.

Sub-micron sized saccharide fibres via electrospinning

In this work, the production of continuous submicron diameter saccharide fibres is shown to be possible using the electrospinning process. The mechanism for the formation of electrospun polymer fibres is usually attributed to the physical entanglement of long molecular chains. The ability to electrospin continuous fibre from a low molecular weight saccharides was an unexpected phenomenon. The formation of sub-micron diameter “sugar syrup” fibres was observed in situ using highspeed video. The trajectory of the electrospun saccharide fibre was observed to follow that typical of electrospun polymers. Based on initial food grade glucose syrup tests, various solutions based on combinations of syrup components, i.e. mono-, di- and tri-saccharides, were investigated to map out materials and electrospinning conditions thatwould lead to the formation of fibre. Thiswork demonstrated that sucrose exhibits the highest propensity for fibre formation during electrospinning amongst the various types of saccharide solutions studied. The possibility of electrospinning low molecular weight saccharides into sub-micron fibres has implications for the electrospinability of supramolecular polymers and other biomaterials.

Electrospun carboxylic-functionalized poly(arylene ether ketone) ultrafine fibers

As a high-performance polymer, carboxylic-functionalized poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PCA-PAEK) was electrospun into ultrafine fibers and characterized. To optimize the process, a set of experiments were designed. As a result, the optimum condition was obtained and the polymer concentration was determined as the most important factor. Incidentally, the PCA-PAEK fibers were found to exhibit superabsorbent behavior. In order to investigate processing characteristics, PCA-PAEK fibers fabricated from different solution concentrations were employed and characterized. The results showed that porosity and changes in water contact angle and water absorbency decreased with an increase in concentration. In addition to a high water absorption capacity, the fibers exhibited good water retention and repeated water absorbency as well. The study on kinetics of water absorption and swelling behavior showed that the mechanism was dependent on the polymer concentration from which the fibers were electrospun. Moreover, both dry and wet PCA-PAEK fibers showed high mechanical properties. Due to these properties, the PCA-PAEK ultrafine fibers are potentially useful as a water-absorbent material.

Fabrication of cationized gelatin nanofibers by electrospinning for tissue regeneration

A green fabrication approach has been developed to produce biocompatible and non-cytotoxic cationically modified gelatin nanofibers with enhanced biological performance.

Electrospinning of gelatin for tissue engineering--molecular conformation as one of the overlooked problems

Gelatin is one of the most promising materials in tissue engineering as a scaffold component. This biopolymer indicates biocompatibility and bioactivity caused by the existence of specific amino acid sequences, being preferred sites for interactions with cells, with high similarity to natural extracellular matrix. The present paper does not aspire to be a full review of electrospinning of gelatin and gelatin containing nanofibers as scaffolds in tissue engineering. It is focused on the still open question of the role of the higher order structures of gelatin in scaffold's bioactivity/functionality. Gelatin molecules can adopt various conformations depending on temperature, solvent, pH, etc. Our review indicates the potential ways for formation of α-helix conformation during electrospinning and the methods of further structure stabilization. It is intuitively expected that the native α-helix conformation appearing as a result of partial renaturation of gelatin can be beneficial from the viewpoint of bioactivity of scaffolds, providing thus a much cheaper alternative approach as opposed to expensive electrospinning of native collagen.

Engineering of biomimetic nanofibrous matrices for drug delivery and tissue engineering

Biomimetic nanofibers have emerged as promising candidates for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. In this paper, recent advances on the fabrication and application of biomimetic nanofibers as drug carriers and scaffolding materials are reviewed. First, we delineate the three popular nanofiber fabrication techniques including electrospinning, phase separation and molecular self-assembly, covering the principal materials used for different techniques and surface functionalization strategies for nanofibers. Furthermore, we focus our interest on the nanofiber-based delivery strategies and underlying kinetics for growth factors and other bioactive molecules, following which we summarize the recent advances in the development of these nanofibrous matrices for bone, vascular and neural tissue engineering applications. Finally, research challenges and future trends in the related areas are discussed.

Bioactive electrospun fish sarcoplasmic proteins as a drug delivery system

Nano-microfibers were made from cod (Gadus morhua) sarcoplasmic proteins (FSP) (Mw<200kDa) using the electrospinning technique. The FSP fibers were studied by scanning electron microscopy, and the fiber morphology was found to be strongly dependent on FSP concentration. Interestingly, the FSP fibers were insoluble in water. However, when exposed to proteolytic enzymes, the fibers were degraded. The degradation products of the FSP fibers proved to be inhibitors of the diabetes-related enzyme DPP-IV. The FSP fibers may have biomedical applications, among others as a delivery system. To demonstrate this, a dipeptide (Ala-Trp) was encapsulated into the FSP fibers, and the release properties were investigated in gastric buffer and in intestinal buffer. The release profile showed an initial burst release, where 30% of the compound was released within the first minute, after which an additional 40% was released (still exponential) within the next 30min (gastric buffer) or 15min (intestinal buffer). The remaining 30% was not released in the timespan of the experiment.

Preparation and characterization of gelatin nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in formic acid aqueous solutions through chemical reduction. Formic acid was used for a reducing agent of Ag precursor and solvent of gelatin. Silver acetate, silver tetrafluoroborate, silver nitrate, and silver phosphate were used as Ag precursors. Ag⁺ ions were reduced into Ag NPs by formic acid. The formation of Ag NPs was characterized by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Ag NPs were quickly generated within a few minutes in silver nitrate (AgNO₃)/formic acid solution. As the water content of formic acid aqueous solution increased, more Ag NPs were generated, at a higher rate and with greater size. When gelatin was added to the AgNO₃/formic acid solution, the Ag NPs were stabilized, resulting in smaller particles. Moreover, gelatin limits further aggregation of Ag NPs, which were effectively dispersed in solution. The amount of Ag NPs formed increased with increasing concentration of AgNO₃ and aging time. Gelatin nanofibers containing Ag NPs were fabricated by electrospinning. The average diameters of gelatin nanofibers were 166.52 ± 32.72 nm, but these decreased with the addition of AgNO₃. The average diameters of the Ag NPs in gelatin nanofibers ranged between 13 and 25 nm, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells by chemical and mechanical cues of electrospun tecophilic/gelatin nanofibers

The ability of mature smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to modulate their phenotype in response to environmental cues is a critical issue related to vascular diseases. A tissue engineered vascular graft shall promote the contractile phenotype of vascular SMCs. To this aim, Tecophilic/gelatin (TP/gel) was electrospun at different weight ratios of TP/gelatin (100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70), leading to differences in biochemical and mechanical properties of the nanofibers which in turn influenced the phenotype of SMCs. Results indicated that both the substrate with higher ligand density and lower stiffness could enhance SMC contractility and reduce cell proliferation. However, observing the highest SMCs contractility on electrospun TP(70)/gel(30) among the composite scaffolds demonstrated stiffness as the most critical parameter. Due to conflicting effects of softness versus minor fraction of gelatin (reduced ligand density) within TP(70)/gel(30) fibers, a relatively high proliferation of SMCs was still observed on TP(70)/gel(30) scaffold. The surface of TP(70)/gel(30) scaffold was further modified through physical adsorption of gelatin molecules so as to increase the ligand density on its surface, whereby a functional vascular construct that promotes the contractile behavior of SMCs with low cell proliferation was developed.