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

Biomaterials. 2003 May;24(12):2077-82. doi: 10.1016/s0142-9612(02)00635-x.

Abstract

Microporous, non-woven poly( epsilon -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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow Cells / ultrastructure
  • Bone and Bones / pathology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Rats
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering*

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • polycaprolactone
  • Oxygen