Polyesteramide-Derived Nonwovens as Innovative Degradable Matrices Support Preadipocyte Adhesion, Proliferation, and Differentiation

Extended soft tissue defects resulting from injuries or tumor resections are still an unresolved problem in plastic and reconstructive surgery because adequate reconstruction is difficult. Immature adipogenic precursor cells, called preadipocytes, which are located between mature adipocytes in adipose tissue, represent a powerful tool for soft tissue engineering because of their ability to proliferate and differentiate into adipose tissue after transplantation. In previous studies, we compared preadipocyte-loaded hyaluronan or collagen biomaterials and their applicability for adipose tissue engineering. Our findings demonstrated successful de novo formation of adipose tissue in vivo but pore size and stiffness were limiting factors not allowing for sufficient cell distribution in the construct. This study presents a nonwoven made of novel bioabsorbable co-poly(ester amide) based on e-caprolactam, adipic acid, and 1,4-butanediol in an innovative 3-dimensional architecture. The material was formed into nonwovens by textile manufacturing using an aerodynamic web formation process and a needle felting technique. Carriers were seeded with human preadipocytes and examined for cellular proliferation and differentiation. In addition, methods of preparing scaffolds for optimal cell interaction were evaluated. Our findings show that polyesteramide-derived nonwovens allow good adherence, proliferation, and differentiation of preadipocytes. These results are promising guidance toward an optimally designed scaffold for in vivo use.