Surface mineralized hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds based on poly(l-lactide) and alginate enhances osteogenic differentiation of stem cells.

Abstract

Surface mineralized nanofibrous scaffolds hold great potential for bone tissue engineering applications. In this study, a new hybrid nanofibrous scaffold composed of alginate/poly(l-lactide) nanofibers was fabricated using electrospinning method and then crosslinking process was employed. Hydroxyapatite crystal formation took place using in situ precipitation by immersion of the scaffolds in simulated body fluid solution for 10 days at 37°C. The morphologies of the scaffolds were observed using scanning electron microscope. Hydroxyapatite crystal formation on the surface of nanofibers was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The biocompatibility of the fabricated scaffolds was evaluated using mesenchymal stem cell culture and MTT assay. According to alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content assays, it was concluded that the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells was considerable on scaffolds containing hydroxyapatite crystals in comparison with other specimens. The results showed biocompatibility of the scaffolds and their support from stem cell adhesion, growth and osteogenic differentiation, so the hydroxyapatite-coated poly(l-lactide)/alginate hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds hold suitable characteristics for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 586-596, 2019.