Robust fabrication of electrospun-like polymer mats to direct cell behaviour

Ballester-Beltrán, J., Lebourg, M., Capella, H., Diaz Lantada, A. and Salmerón-Sánchez, M. (2014) Robust fabrication of electrospun-like polymer mats to direct cell behaviour. Biofabrication, 6(3), 035009. (doi: 10.1088/1758-5082/6/3/035009)

Abstract

Currently, cell culture systems that include nanoscale topography are widely used in order to provide cells additional cues closer to the in vivo environment, seeking to mimic the natural extracellular matrix. Electrospinning is one of the most common techniques to produce nanofiber mats. However, since many sensitive parameters play an important role in the process, a lack of reproducibility is a major drawback. Here we present a simple and robust methodology to prepare reproducible electrospun-like samples. It consists of a polydimethylsiloxane mold reproducing the fiber pattern to solvent-cast a polymer solution and obtain the final sample. To validate this methodology, poly(L-lactic) acid (PLLA) samples were obtained and, after characterisation, bioactivity and ability to direct cell response were assessed. C2C12 myoblasts developed focal adhesions on the electrospun-like fibers and, when cultured under myogenic differentiation conditions, similar differentiation levels to electrospun PLLA fibers were obtained.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Salmeron-Sanchez, Professor Manuel
• Authors: Ballester-Beltrán, J., Lebourg, M., Capella, H., Diaz Lantada, A., and Salmerón-Sánchez, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Journal Name: Biofabrication
• Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 1758-5082
• ISSN (Online): 1758-5090
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Biofabrication 6(3):035009
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License