Electrospining Machine: Phytotherapeutic hierarchical polycaprolactone-based scaffolds as multifunctional wound dressings: combining 3D printing and electrospinning technology

Background

3D printing is an emerging method to form 3D scaffolds by computer-aided design modeling and laying down adhesive or solid materials layer by layer to obtain the desired geometry. The 3D scaffolds prepared by this method have sufficient pore size and interconnected porous structure to enhance cell attachment, migration and proliferation required for biomedical applications. Several 3D printing technologies are being used in biomedical applications, including laser-assisted deposition, extrusion, fused deposition modeling (FDM), and inkjet printing, especially for bone regeneration and wound healing methods.

The main point of this paper

FDM 3D Printing Technology:

FDM (Fused Deposition Molding) is an extrusion-based 3D printing technology that uses a variety of thermoplastic polymer filaments such as PCL, PLA, etc.

PCL Material Properties:

PCL (polycaprolactone) is a linear aliphatic polyester with excellent processability, good biocompatibility, and high mechanical properties, making it one of the most commonly used materials in the 3D printing process

Electrospinning Technology:

Electrospinning is a traditional technique used to form nonwoven fibrous mats from micro to nano scales, mimicking the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoting cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation

Application of PCL-gel electrospinning nanofibers:

PCL combined with gelatin (gelatin) electrostatically spun nanofiber membranes show good osteogenic and antimicrobial properties and are suitable for bone defect treatment

Mechanical behavior of 3D printed PCL scaffolds:

It was shown that the mechanical behavior of 3D printed PCL scaffolds can be modulated by changing the layering pattern of the scaffolds, affecting their compression modulus and yield strength

Biological benefits of PCL-gel electrospinning nanofibers:

PCL-gel electrospinning nanofiber membranes can promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and have good ability to induce osteogenic differentiation and osteoconductive properties.

Combination of 3D printing and electrospinning technology:

Researchers have developed new hierarchical scaffolds by combining 3D printing and electrostatic spinning technologies, demonstrating enhanced mechanical properties, bioactivity, and ECM-like 3D structures

Development of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Wound Dressings:

Since microbial infections and the formation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibit the healing process, it is important to develop wound dressings that inhibit bacterial infections while reducing oxidative stress.

Application of phytotherapeutic agents:

Natural phytotherapeutic agents such as essential oils (EOs), especially peppermint oil (PEP) and clove oil (CLV), are gaining attention for their use in wound healing due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

3D printing combined with electrospinning technology: development of hybrid scaffolds containing phytotherapeutic agents to promote wound healing

3D Printing Technology:

3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) struts were fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology.

Surface treatment:

Alkaline surface treatment was used to improve the adhesion of electrostatically spun nanofibers on PCL pillars.

Electrospinning application:

PCL-gelatin (GEL) nanofibers containing peppermint oil (PEP) or clove oil (CLV) were collected on 3D printed PCL struts by electrostatic spinning.

Performance Enhancement:

The incorporation of PEP or CLV enhanced the lamination and adhesion of the scaffolds.

Antioxidant properties:

DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay showed that PEP or CLV improved the antioxidant properties of the scaffolds.

Antimicrobial activity:

PEP or CLV scaffolds inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Summarize

In this study, phytotherapeutic graded scaffolds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were developed. The use of PEP or CLV as natural phytotherapeutic agents enhanced the biocompatibility of the scaffolds. The phytotherapeutic agents combined with electrospinning nanofibers were designed to support bioactivity while the micro-sized 3d printed struts were designed to mimic the natural ECM. a combination of different fabrication methods, such as 3D printing and electrospinning techniques, were utilized for the synergistic effect to produce these phytotherapeutic graded scaffolds. Doping PEP or CLV into the electrospun nanofiber layer prevents bacterial infections, while the modified 3D-PCL supports the electrospun nanofiber layer to mimic the natural structure of the skin.