Multiscale Poly-(ϵ-caprolactone) Scaffold Mimicking Non-linearity in Tendon Tissue Mechanics

Abstract: Regenerative medicine plays a critical role in the future of medicine. However, challenges remain to balance stem cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and biochemical factors to create successful and effective scaffold designs. This project analyzes scaffold architecture with respect to mechanical capability and preliminary mesenchymal stem cell response for tendon regeneration. An electrospun fiber scaffold with tailorable properties based on a “Chinese-fingertrap” design is presented. The unique criss-crossed fiber structures demonstrate non-linear mechanical response similar to that observed in native tendon. Mechanical testing revealed that optimizing the fiber orientation resulted in the characteristic “S”-shaped curve, demonstrating a toe region and linear elastic region. This project has promising research potential across various disciplines: vascular engineering, nerve regeneration, and ligament and tendon tissue engineering. Lay Summary: A novel scaffold created from biodegradable fibers and incorporating unique criss-cross fiber geometry was synthesized. The scaffold recapitulated the complex non-linearity in mechanics of tendon and ligament tissues. Furthermore, the scaffold supported the growth of mesenchymal stem cells, and preliminary data suggests that the scaffold geometry encourages the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards tendon.