Chitosan Imparts Better Biological Properties for Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Membranes than Dexamethasone

Abstract

Poly(-caprolactone), an aliphatic polyester with biodegradability and cytocompatibility, has been used to create scaffolds for tissue engineering purposes. However, the hydrophobicity and low water absorptivity of poly(-caprolactone) reduce cell anchorage on their membranes. Here, poly(-caprolactone)-based scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning of poly(-caprolactone)chitosan blend, and poly(-caprolactone)-dexamethasone solution. Chitosan and dexamethasone play an essential role to increase the scaffolding performance of poly(-caprolactone)-based electrospun membranes. A poly(-caprolactone) membrane without chitosan and dexamethasone did not provide satisfactory results to promote cell culture of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). Compared to the poly(-caprolactone)-dexamethasone surface, poly(-caprolactone)chitosan membrane imparts better cytoskeletal reorganization, and cell spreading, increasing the strength of cell attachment. Also, poly(-caprolactone)-chitosan composite provides strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ca. 90% inhibition). Therefore, the poly(-caprolactone)-chitosan composite is a better alternative to treat skin diseases and promote skin regeneration than conventional approaches based on dexamethasone.