Electrospun fibrous sponge via short fiber for mimicking 3D ECM

Background: Most of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional (3D) network structure of micro/nanofibers for cell adhesion and growth of 3D. Electrospun fibers distinctive mimicked 2D ECM, however, it is impossible to simulate 3D ECM because of longitudinal collapse of continuous micro/nanofibers. Herein, 3D electrospun micro/nano-fibrous sponge was fabricated via electrospinning, homogenization, shaping and thermal crosslinking for 3D tissue regeneration of cells and vascular. Results: Fibrous sponge exhibited high porosity, water absorption and compression resilience and no chemical crosslinked agent was used in preparation process. In vitro studies showed that the 3D short fiber sponge provided an oxygen-rich environment for cell growth, which was conducive to the 3D proliferation and growth of HUVECs, stimulated the expression of VEGF, and well promoted the vascularization of HUVECs. In vivo studies showed that the 3D short fiber sponges had a good 3D adhesion to the chronic wound of diabetes in rats. Furthermore, 3D short fibrous sponges were better than 2D micro/nanofiber membranes in promoting the repair of diabetic full-thickness skin defects including wound healing, hair follicle regeneration, angiogenesis, collagen secretion. Conclusion: Therefore, electrospun short fibrous sponges are special candidates for mimicking the 3D ECM and promoting 3D regeneration of tissue.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional electrospun short fibrous sponges were successfully prepared to mimic the 3D ECM and promote tissue regeneration. The sponges exhibited high porosity, water absorption, and compression resilience, providing an oxygen-rich environment for cell growth and promoting vascularization. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the sponges were effective in promoting cell proliferation and vascular formation, with better performance in diabetic wound repair compared to 2D micro/nanofiber membranes.