PLGA/gelatin hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds encapsulating EGF for skin regeneration

The novel strategies of skin regenerative treatment are aimed at the development of biologically responsive scaffolds capable of delivering multiple bioactive agents and cells to the target tissues. In this study, nanofibers of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and gelatin were electrospun and the effect of parameters viz polymer concentration, acid concentration, flow rate and voltage on the morphology of the fibers were investigated. PLGA nanofibers encapsulating epidermal growth factor were also prepared through emulsion electrospinning. The core-sheath structure of the nanofibers was verified by transmission electron microscopy. The hemostatic attributes and the biocompatibility of the scaffolds for human fibroblast cell were scrutinized. Furthermore, gene expression of collagen type I and type III by the cells on the scaffolds was quantified using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated desirable bioactivity and hemostasis of the scaffolds with the capability of encapsulation and controlled release of the protein which can be served as skin tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressings. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103: 2225-2235, 2015.