Fabrication of PLGA/MWNTs composite electrospun fibrous scaffolds for improved myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells

Electrically conducting scaffolds have attracted tremendous attention in skeletal muscle tissue engineering. In this paper, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composite fibrous scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. The physical properties of the composite fibers were characterized and proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells on these scaffolds were examined. It was found that the addition of MWNTs modulated the physical properties of PLGA fibers including morphology, fiber diameter, degradation, tensile strength and electrical conductivity, depending on the amount of MWNTs. These fibrous scaffolds were cytocompatible and supported the proliferation of C2C12 cells. Importantly, C2C12 cells showed more mature myotube formation on PLGA/MWNTs composite fibrous scaffolds compared to PLGA scaffolds. These results indicate that PLGA/MWNTs composite electrospun fibers have great potential in skeletal muscle tissue engineering.