Coaxial electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone), multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and polyacrylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol scaffold for skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Skeletal muscle repair after injury usually results in scar tissue and decreased functionality. In this study, we coaxially electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone), multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and a hydrogel consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic acid (PCL‐MWCNT‐H) to create a self‐contained nanoactuating scaffold for skeletal muscle tissue replacement. This was then compared to electrospun PCL and PCL‐MWCNT scaffolds. All scaffolds displayed some conductivity; however, MWCNT incorporation increased the conductivity. Only the PCL‐MWCNT‐H actuated when stimulated with 15 and 20 V. The PCL, PCL‐MWCNT, and hydrogel only scaffolds demonstrated no reaction when 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 V were applied. Thus, all components of the PCL‐MWCNT‐H scaffold are essential for movement. All three PCL‐containing scaffolds were biocompatible, but the PCL‐MWCNT‐H scaffolds displayed more multinucleated cells with actin interaction. After tensile testing, the MWCNT‐containing scaffolds had higher strength than the rat and pig skeletal muscle. Although the mechanical properties were higher than muscle, the PCL‐MWCNT‐H scaffold shows promise as a potential bioartificial nanoactuator for skeletal muscle. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.