Novel routes to epoxy functionalization of PHA‐based electrospun scaffolds as ways to improve cell adhesion

Summary

Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) are biodegradable bacterial polyesters attractive for tissue-engineering scaffolds, but their fibre surfaces are relatively inert and support cell adhesion poorly. This work reports straightforward, mild routes to functionalise the surface of electrospun PHA fibres so as to improve cell compatibility. Reactive epoxide groups are introduced onto the fibre surface, providing anchoring points to which bioactive molecules can subsequently be conjugated, while the electrospun mat architecture is preserved. The chemistry is deliberately versatile and carried out under gentle conditions, avoiding degradation of the fibres. By making the scaffold surface chemically addressable, the approach opens the way to biomimetic PHA scaffolds that better promote cell attachment and growth for biomedical applications.

Authors & Affiliations

• Julien Ramier

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France
• Meyssoun Ben Boubaker

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France
• Mohamed Guerrouache

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France
• Valérie Langlois

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France
• Daniel Grande

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France
• Estelle Renard Corresponding

  Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182 CNRS – Université Paris-Est Créteil, Thiais, France

Topics

Materials

Linari Electrospinning Systems