Role of PEGylated CdSe-ZnS quantum dots on structural and functional properties of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds for blood vessel tissue engineering

Conjugation of quantum dots (Q-dots) into tissue engineering scaffolds is extremely beneficial for designing composite scaffolds imparting multifunctional properties. In the present work, we report the efficacy of incorporating the PEGylated CdSe-ZnS (Q-dots) into electrospun poly(caprolactone)(PCL) scaffolds whose properties were evaluated for small diameter blood vessel applications. Incorporation of Q-dots was found to result in significant reduction in fiber diameter of electrospun scaffolds. Corresponding pore size ranges varied from 12 to 36 mu m for composite scaffold compared with 12-60 mu m in bare scaffold. Both PCL and composite scaffolds were found to possess better mechanical strength and elasticity than that of native arteries. Contact angle measurements revealed hydrophobic nature of scaffolds which significantly improved upon modification with fibrin. PCL/Q-dot composite scaffolds were found to possess optimum micro-structure for supporting uniform endothelial cell growth after 5 days of culture compared to the pristine PCL scaffold.

Automated summary

The conjugation of PEGylated CdSe-ZnS quantum dots into electrospun PCL scaffolds resulted in composite scaffolds with smaller fiber diameter and pore size range compared to bare scaffolds. Both PCL and composite scaffolds exhibited better mechanical strength and elasticity than native arteries. The hydrophobic nature of the scaffolds was significantly improved upon modification with fibrin, and the PCL/Q-dot composite scaffolds showed optimal microstructure for supporting uniform endothelial cell growth after 5 days of culture.