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Development of Electrospun Three‐arm Star Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Meshes for Tissue Engineering Applications |
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| Authors: | Dario Puppi Nicola Detta Anna Maria Piras Federica Chiellini David A Clarke Gwendolen C Reilly Emo Chiellini |
| Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Bioactive Polymeric Materials for Biomedical and Environmental Applications (BIOlab), via Vecchia Livornese 1291, 56010 San Piero a Grado (Pi), Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry University of Pisa, Italy;2. The Kroto Research Institute, Department of Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK |
| Abstract: | We have developed three‐dimensional electrospun microfibrous meshes of a novel star branched three‐arm poly(ε‐caprolactone) (*PCL) as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The processing conditions required to obtain uniform fibers were optimized by studying their influence on fiber morphology and size. Polymer molecular weight and solution feed rate influenced both the mesh microstructure and the tensile properties of the developed mats. Electrospun samples were also tested for their mechanical properties in wet conditions, showing higher yield strength and strain in comparison to that observed in dry conditions. Cell culture experiments employing MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast like cells showed good cell viability adhesion and collagen production on the *PCL scaffolds.  |
| Keywords: | biomaterials mechanical properties star polymers tension tissue engineering |