Surface patterning of poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds by electrospinning for monitoring cell biomass behavior

The aim of this work was to produce three-dimensional fibrous surface patterns of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), onto two-dimensional smooth solvent cast PCL surfaces with an electrospinning method by using a mask/stencil for monitoring cell biomass behavior. The characterizations of produced scaffolds were done by thickness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses, contact angle (CA) measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical tests. According to SEM micrographs, all of the electrospun scaffold surfaces exhibited bead-free and uniform morphology while solvent cast surfaces were smooth and nonporous. CA measurements revealed that the solvent cast surfaces had moderate hydrophilicity (similar to 60 degrees) while electrospun regions had a more hydrophobic character (similar to 110 degrees for fully electrospun surfaces and similar to 85 degrees for electrospun patterns). Mechanical testing showed the produced scaffolds had a brittle character. Moreover, cell culture studies were performed with mouse fibroblast (L929) cells for 7 days period, and cell attachment assay, MTT assay, fluorescence, and SEM analyses were done. Cell culture studies indicated that the solvent cast and electrospun patterns have different characteristics for cell behavior. Thus, cell movement, attachment, and proliferation can be directed and monitored by obtaining different surface topographies in a single substrate surface. Based on the results of this study, it was found that patterns consisting of polymeric nanofiber structures can also be created directly by the electrospinning method.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to produce three-dimensional fibrous surface patterns on smooth two-dimensional PCL surfaces using electrospinning and to monitor the behavior of cells through the use of a mask/stencil. The results showed that the electrospun scaffold surfaces had a uniform morphology with no beads, while the solvent cast surfaces were smooth and nonporous. The electrospun regions were more hydrophobic than the solvent cast regions. Cell culture studies revealed that the behavior of cells differed on the solvent cast and electrospun patterns.