Polyglycerol Sebacate/polycaprolactone/reduced graphene oxide composite scaffold for myocardial tissue engineering

Abstract

The aim of this research was to fabricate and evaluate polyglycerol sebacate/polycaprolactone/reduced graphene oxide (PGS-PCL-RGO) composite scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering. Polyglycerol sebacate polymer was synthesized using glycerol and sebacic acid prepolymers, confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Six PGS-PCL-RGO composite scaffolds (S(1)-S(6)) with various weight ratios were prepared in chloroform (CF) and acetone (Ace) solvents at 8 CF:2Ace and 9 CF:1Ace volume ratios, using the electrospinning method at a rate of 1 ml/h and a voltage of 18 kV. The scaffolds' chemical composition and microstructure were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further investigations included tensile testing, contact angle testing, four-point probe testing for electrical conductivity, degradation testing, and cytotoxicity testing (MTT). The results showed that adding 2wt RGO to the composite scaffold decreased fiber diameter and degradation rate, while increasing electrical conductivity and ductility. The 33PGS-65PCL-2RGO (S(3)) composite scaffold exhibited the lowest degradation rate (23.87 over 60 days) and the highest electrical conductivity (51E-3 S/m). Mechanical evaluations revealed an elastic modulus of 2.46 MPa and elongation of 62.43 , aligning closely with the heart muscle's elastomeric properties. The contact angle test indicated that the scaffold was hydrophilic, with a water contact angle of 61 +/- 2 degrees . Additionally, the cell toxicity test confirmed that scaffolds containing RGO were non-toxic and supported good cell viability. In conclusion, the 33PGS-65PCL-2RGO composite scaffold exhibits mechanical and structural properties similar to heart tissue, making it an ideal candidate for myocardial tissue engineering.