PhD Scientific Days 2022

Translational Medicine II. (Poster discussion will take place in the Aula during the Coffee Break)

Ultrasound induced 3D electrospun amino acid based fibrous scaffolds

Text of the abstract

The aim of tissue engineering is to develop methods to restore, maintain or improve tissue functions. To imitate the fibrous structure of the native extracellular matrix, the electrospinning technique is widely used. However, the dense packing of fibers results in small pores and hereby the inhibition of cellular penetration.
In our research [1], we used biocompatible and biodegradable poly(aspartic acid) based fibrous hydrogel scaffolds to enhance the cell infiltration using ultrasonication (US). The US can enlarge the space between the fibers in the scaffold and create a 3D structure based on the thickness increase of the samples. A freeze-drying process was also introduced to prevent the scaffolds from degradation and create an easy-to-store sample beyond the US treatment. After all these treatments, the scaffold’s specific load capacity was 0.11 ± 0.01 Nm2/g which did not change after a rehydration cycle. The elongation break became almost two times higher than before the US treatment. The enhanced cellular penetration was visualized by multiphoton microscopy.
In summary, we were able to overcome the major limitation of conventional electrospun scaffolds regarding their application in tissue engineering. We also improved the storing conditions of fibrous hydrogel scaffolds and extend their shelf life without degradation.
This work was supported by the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office (NKFIH FK137749), and by the Higher Education Institutional Excellence Program of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology in Hungary, within the framework of the Therapeutic Development thematic program of the Semmelweis University (TKP2021-EGA-23).