A simple route to functionalising electrospun polymer scaffolds with surface biomolecules

Surface functionalisation of polymeric electrospun scaffolds with therapeutic biomolecules is often explored in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, the bioconjugation method must be carefully selected to prevent partial or full loss of activity of the biomolecule following chemical manipulation. Perfluorophenyl azide bearing a N-hydroxysuccinimide (PFPA-NHS) active ester group is a versatile tool for UV-initiated covalent coupling of amine-containing molecules to hydrocarbon-based polymers, such as polydioxanone or polycaprolactone (PCL). This study therefore explored the feasibility of PFPA-NHS functionalisation of electrospun PCL scaffolds with model biomolecules. Protein conjugation was extensively explored using fluorescence staining and attachment studies, confirming the retention of amine coupling capability following photografting of PFPA-NHS to the PCL surface. The effect of the washing method used to remove unreacted PFPA was explored in Caco-2 cell viability studies, and it was determined that sonication washing is required to avoid cell death. A model enzyme, catalase, was then successfully attached to the surface of PCL scaffolds for potential applications in oncological photodynamic therapy. Catalase retained its enzymatic activity following attachment to the fibres and the majority of the enzyme (similar to 60%) remained bound to the fibre after incubation in an aqueous environment for six days. The anticipated prolonged presentation and sustained release of proteins as a result of PFPA-NHS conjugation could be advantageous in progressing protein-based therapies.

Automated summary

This study explores the feasibility of functionalizing PCL scaffolds with PFPA-NHS, successfully attaching proteins and enzyme catalase to the scaffold surface while maintaining their activity. The prolonged presentation and sustained release of proteins through PFPA-NHS conjugation could be advantageous for protein-based therapies.