Biomimetic nanocomposite scaffolds based on surface modified PCL-nanofibers containing curcumin embedded in chitosan/gelatin for skin regeneration

Recently, nanofibrous-hydrogel composites are luring attention for tissue regeneration applications as they mimic soft-tissues' microstructure. Mostly, the electrospun nanofibers based on synthetic polymers such as Polycaprolactone (PCL) are placed in a crosslinked hydrogels. Due to hydrophobic nature of PCL, integration of these nanofibers with the hydrophilic hydrogels of matrix is not sufficient. In this study, we applied Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA)-surface-modified PCL nanofibers within chitosan-gelatin hydrogels for skin regeneration applications. In addition, curcumin was loaded into PCL nanofibers due to its great impact on skin regeneration process. Fabricated nanofibrous-hydrogel scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosimetery, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical compression test, and water uptake studies. Curcumin release was investigated using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. In order to study biocompatibility of scaffolds MTT assay and cell culture was performed using L929 cells. FTIR spectra confirmed PEGMA modification of PCL nanofibers. Results of mechanical test determined that surface modified PCL nanofibers improved mechanical strength and modulus of scaffolds. Porosimetery studies showed proper porosity of scaffolds for skin regeneration from 90.43 to 71.48% and pore size of 101–256 μm. Biological test confirmed proper biocompatibility and good cell attachment to the scaffolds. Taken together, the chitosan/gelatin hydrogel incorporating PEGMA modified PCL nanofibers containing curcumin shows great potential for skin regeneration.