Evaluation of EPS-PCL Nanofibers as a Nanobiocomposite for Artificial Skin Based on Dermal Fibroblast Culture

Abstract EN

Several natural bioactive molecules have been used in the development of scaffolds to enhance biocompatibility or biodegradability and macroalgae contain many bioactive compounds that regulate the physiological activities of cells.

In this study, extrapolymeric substances (EPS) from brown algae, Undaria pinnatifida, were dispersed in poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofiber, fabricated by electrospinning technique to mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and tested as a scaffold for the production of artificial skin using rat primary fibroblasts.

The level of adhesion, viability, and infiltration of cells on the EPS-PCL nanofibers were then assessed.

The primary fibroblasts attached well, had good viability, and infiltrated through the nanofiber mat without cytotoxicity.

Additionally, fibroblast on EPS-PCL nanofiber overcame the stress derived from high cell density at limited area.

These results indicate that EPS-imbedded nanofiber has the potential to be used as scaffolds to develop artificial skin or as wound-healing nanomedicines to regenerate injured skin.