Fabrication and Characterization of COL/PVA Nanofiber Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Engineering

Development of new biomaterial-based approaches for regeneration of soft tissues and organs such as heart, brain, uterine, ovarian, and others has received much attention in recent years. Here, we explain the stages of design and development of the biocompatible Collagen/Polyvinyl alcohol (COL/PVA) nanofiber scaffolds to transfer human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) to damaged soft tissue. In this study, by optimizing the percentage ratio of COL to PVA, the need for a cross-linking process to maintain the nanofibers’ stability in aqueous environments was eliminated and this strategy significantly increased the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanofibers. The chemical structure of synthesized scaffolds was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, other physicochemical and biological aspects of the fabricated scaffolds, including nanofiber diameter, in vitro degradation, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, morphologies, and biocompatibility were surveyed. Physiochemical assessments showed that un cross linked 60/40 COL/PVA nanofiber scaffolds had a successful performance in terms of morphology and stability. Furthermore, these scaffolds had no toxicity on HUC-MSCs. Therefore, study was continued with the most ideal percentage composition of the prepared nanofiber scaffolds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed proper cell adhesion and distribution of HUC-MSCs throughout the nanofiber scaffolds.