Evaluation of 3D Microstructured Scaffolds Based on PCL/Fibroin/Silver Nanoparticles as Supports for Skin Cells
Abstract
Skin tissue engineering is a field in which living cells and scaffolds are used to treat defects. This research aimed to fabricate and evaluate three-dimensional microstructured scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL), silk fibroin, and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the wet-electrospinning technique. The methodology consisted of extracting fibroin from Bombyx mori cocoons and synthesizing Ag-NPs via chemical reduction, combining them with PCL solutions to create 3D membranes. These membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), FTIR spectroscopy, and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. In addition, its cytocompatibility was evaluated by MTT assay with the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. The results showed that the inclusion of fibroin and Ag-NPs improved the hydrophilicity and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds, in accordance with the ISO 10993-5:2009 standard. The wet-electrospinning technique enabled the formation of porous structures with suitable thermal and morphological properties to mimic the extracellular matrix. Finally, it is concluded that the developed scaffolds show high potential for use as substrates for skin tissue regeneration, highlighting the need for further in vivo studies to support their application in clinical settings.
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Funding data
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Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano
Grant numbers P20209
