A biodegradable nanofiber scaffold by electrospinning and its potential for bone tissue engineering

• Published in: Biomaterials Vol. 24; no. 12; pp. 2077 - 2082
• Main Authors: Yoshimoto, H., Shin, Y.M., Terai, H., Vacanti, J.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2003
• Subjects: Animals; Biodegradable polymer scaffold; Bone and Bones - pathology; Bone Marrow Cells - metabolism; Bone Marrow Cells - ultrastructure; Bone tissue engineering; Electrostatic fiber spinning; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Immunohistochemistry; Mesenchymal stem cells; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mineralization; Oxygen - metabolism; Poly( ε-caprolactone); Polyesters - chemistry; Polymers - chemistry; Rats; Stem Cells - metabolism; Stem Cells - ultrastructure; Time Factors; Tissue Engineering; Biodegradable polymer scaffold; Poly( ε-caprolactone); Bone tissue engineering; Mineralization; Electrostatic fiber spinning; Mesenchymal stem cells
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/S0142-9612(02)00635-X

Microporous, non-woven poly( ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were made by electrostatic fiber spinning. In this process, polymer fibers with diameters down to the nanometer range, or nanofibers, are formed by subjecting a fluid jet to a high electric field. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of neonatal rats were cultured, expanded and seeded on electrospun PCL scaffolds. The cell-polymer constructs were cultured with osteogenic supplements under dynamic culture conditions for up to 4 weeks. The cell-polymer constructs maintained the size and shape of the original scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Penetration of cells and abundant extracellular matrix were observed in the cell-polymer constructs after 1 week. SEM showed that the surfaces of the cell-polymer constructs were covered with cell multilayers at 4 weeks. In addition, mineralization and type I collagen were observed at 4 weeks. This suggests that electrospun PCL is a potential candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering.