Investigation of co-electrospun gelatin: TiO2/polycaprolactone:silk fibroin scaffolds for wound healing applications

Electrospinning is a facile technique to create porous nanofiber scaffolds with a high capability of natural environment mimicking. Here, co-electrospinning of gelatin:TiO2, polycaprolactone:silk fibroin (G:T/P:F) was investigated with the aim of wound healing. Polycaprolactone improved the mechanical properties and gelatin:TiO2 enhanced cellular interactions. Silk fibroin was extracted from the Bombyx mori silkworm and increased the cellular and mechanical properties of the designed scaffolds. The morphology of the scaffolds was observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and confirmed bead free porous nanofibrous structure. The fiber diameter rose after silk fibroin and TiO2 addition but it was in the favorable fiber range. The contact angle, swelling, and mechanical properties of the G:T/P:F scaffolds supplied the requirements for skin tissue engineering. The designed scaffold showed over 80% cell viability with filopodia formation after 48 h according to cell adhesion observations and MTT assay results. The DAPI and LIVE/DEAD staining results confirmed high cell viability and the scratch assay observations proved the high wound healing potential of the G:T/P:F scaffolds. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were shown. It seems the designed scaffold can be useful in skin tissue regeneration. Further research may address the suggested skin scaffold.

Automated summary

In this study, gelatin:TiO2 and polycaprolactone:silk fibroin were co-electrospun to create porous nanofiber scaffolds, which exhibited favorable mechanical properties, cellular interactions, and wound healing potential. Additionally, the designed scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use in skin tissue regeneration.