Analysis of Electrospun Tβ4 Coated Scaffolds: A Tissue Engineering Study

Abstract

Tissue engineering is a field within regenerative medicine that promotes the regeneration/repair of damaged or diseased tissue and organs. This field focuses on three aspects: cells, growth factors, and scaffolds to achieve a successful implantable tissue/organ. Electrospun scaffolds are a common platform for tissue engineering applications. The objective of this project was to evaluate electrospun scaffolds' composition using poly (ethylene oxide) and ß- lactoglobulin with the incorporation of a wound healing protein, thymosin beta-4. The overall goal was to augment the biocompatibility characteristics of the scaffold, enhance the cellular microenvironment, and improve human mesenchymal stem cell cytocompatibility. Data was collected using multiple techniques such as goniometry and cell viability assays. The data was analyzed using either paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analyzes compared treatments to determine Tß4's effect on cell proliferation and integration. Though the results did not reflect statistical significance, the results suggest that Tß4 did not promote cell proliferation and did not cause adverse reactions. Although Tß4 did promote cell integration with the scaffold's microenvironment. Successful growth and integration of cells on fabricated scaffolds are critical to the development and study of 3D tissue structures. Therefore, this approach has the potential to further research into alternative therapies for wound healing.