Adipose-derived Stem Cells Growth and Proliferation Enhancement Using Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/Fibrin Nanofiber Mats

Introduction: A Synthetic biomaterial, such as Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) with superior mechanical properties, along with a natural polymer such as fibrin, which facilitates cell attachment and enhances biocompatibility, can be used in the production of novel composite tissue engineering scaffolds. Materials and Methods: To carry out this study, 10% polymer solutions with different ratios of PLGA: Fibrin, including 10:0, 9:1, 8:2, and 7:3, were prepared and used in the production of aligned and unaligned electrospun nanofiber scaffolds. Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (h-ADSCs) were cultured on the scaffolds, and they were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical, hydrophilic, degradation, water absorption and biocompatibility tests. Results: The obtained scaffolds consisted of homogeneous fibers, without any beads and water droplets. The percentage of porosities and internal correlation of the cavities were not significantly different between aligned and unaligned electrospun scaffolds (p>0.05) and by adding fibrin, these properties improved, while tensile strength and elasticity decreased. All the scaffolds were hydrophobic and the highest and lowest swelling rates belonged to PLGA/30% Fibrin scaffolds and pure PLGA scaffolds (more than 90% and less than 45%, respectively). There is a significant difference in degradation rates between fibrin-contained scaffolds and pure PLGA scaffolds. Moreover, compared to the aligned electrospun scaffolds, the highest degradation rate of unaligned ones was observed. Conclusions: Considering the results of SEM and bio-compatibility experiments, the aligned electrospun PLGA/10% Fibrin scaffold with numerous spindle shape h-ADSCs and unaligned electrospun PLGA/20% Fibrin scaffold with many spindle shape cells together with round shape cells are introduced as optimal options.