Electrospun Nanocomposite Scaffold Based on Polycaprolactone-decellularized Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Biomimetic Substrate for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Abstract

An ideal scaffold must provide biomimetic conditions similar to an extracellular matrix (ECM) which is a challenge for tissues with a slow healing rate. As a new biopolymer, decellularized Wharton's jelly matrix (DWJM) represents similarity in structure, composition, and function to articular cartilage. The nanofibrous scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and DWJM are fabricated through electrospinning. The scaffold with optimal content of DWJM is then reinforced with carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The PCL/2DWJM scaffold presented appropriate values in terms of average fiber diameter (283.90 +/- 49.07 nm), porosity (> 80), water contact angle (46.85 degrees +/- 3.09 degrees) and tensile strength (7.68 +/- 2.35 MPa). The nanocomposite scaffold containing 0.5 wt MWCNTs presented appropriate values in terms of the average fiber diameter (193.134 +/- 36.69 nm), porosity (> 80), water contact angle (38.96 degrees +/- 3.49 degrees), and tensile strength (16.43 +/- 2.51 MPa). The physicochemical interactions between the carboxyl group of MWCNTs and functional groups of the matrix enhanced tensile strength by 2 times. Improved bioactivity behavior, thermal and physiological stability, cell viability, and maintained cell morphology are also observed by the presence of an optimal amount of MWCNTs. Since the PCL-DWJM/0.5MWCNTs scaffold presented physical, mechanical, and biological properties similar to cartilage, it can be considered an appropriate candidate for articular cartilage tissue engineering applications.