Evaluation of Polymeric Micro/Nanofibrous Hybrid Scaffolds Prepared by Centrifugal Nozzleless Spinning for Tissue Engineering Applications

We compared the applicability of 3D fibrous scaffolds, produced by our patented centrifugal spinning technology, in soft tissue engineering. The scaffolds were prepared from four different biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastics, namely polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) and their blends. The combined results of SEM and BET analyses revealed an internal hierarchically-organized porosity of the polymeric micro/nanofibers. Both nanoporosity and capillary effect are crucial for the water retention capacity of scaffolds designed for tissue engineering. The increased surface area provided by nanoporosity enhances water retention, while the capillary effect facilitates the movement of water and nutrients within the scaffolds. When the scaffolds were seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), the ingrowth of these cells was the deepest in the PLA/PCL 13.5/4 (w/w) composite scaffolds. This result is consistent with the relatively large pore size in the fibrous networks, high internal porosity and large specific surface area found in these scaffolds, which may therefore be best suited as a component of adipose tissue substitutes that could reduce the postoperative tissue atrophy. Adipose tissue constructs produced in this way could be used in the future instead of conventional fat grafts, for example in breast reconstruction following cancer ablation.