Arabinoxylan-Incorporated Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Nanofiber Matrix Promotes Fibroblast Cell Adhesion and Proliferation

Organic Polymeric Materials Nanoscience Polymer Chemistry Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science Bioengineering Life Sciences Medicine
Nanofibrous matrix Arabinoxylan Fibroblasts Cell adhesion Cell proliferation

Academic Background

Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving multiple coordinated stages, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. However, in cases of severe trauma or chronic wounds, traditional treatments such as dressings and sutures often have limited efficacy. In recent years, the development of tissue engineering has provided new approaches for wound repair. By constructing biomimetic scaffold materials, an optimal growth environment for cells can be provided to promote tissue regeneration. Among these, nanofibrous matrices have become a popular research direction in tissue engineering due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and biomimetic structure. However, synthetic polymers like poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), despite their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, are limited in soft tissue regeneration due to their hydrophobicity and slow degradation rate. Therefore, researchers have attempted to combine natural bioactive substances with synthetic polymers to improve material performance.

Arabinoxylan (AX), a hemicellulose extracted from plants, exhibits good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and water-swelling properties. It has been shown to possess various bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a potential candidate for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. This study aims to combine AX with PCL to prepare nanofibrous matrices via electrospinning and evaluate their effects on fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, thereby providing a novel biomaterial for wound healing.

Source of the Paper

This study was conducted by a team of researchers from Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, with primary authors including Kiran Konain, Sajida Farid, and Shazia Hameed. The research team is affiliated with institutions such as Khyber Medical University, Shanghai Ocean University, and King Saud University. The paper was accepted on April 2, 2025, and published in the journal Bionanoscience with the DOI 10.1007/s12668-025-01924-4.

Research Process and Results

1. Extraction of Arabinoxylan

The study first extracted AX from locally purchased Ispaghula husk. The extraction method involved alkali extraction: the husk was dissolved in distilled water, and the pH was adjusted to 12. After filtration, acetic acid was used to lower the pH to 3, causing AX gel to precipitate. The gel was washed multiple times and dried, resulting in a brown powder form of AX. The extraction process was repeated three times to ensure reproducibility.

2. Preparation of Nanofibrous Matrices

PCL and PCL-AX nanofibrous matrices were prepared using electrospinning. The PCL solution concentration was 12% w/v, and the PCL-AX solution included 2.5% w/v AX. Electrospinning parameters were set at a voltage of 15 kV, a needle-to-collector distance of 15 cm, and a rotation speed of 150 rpm. The prepared nanofibers were collected on aluminum foil and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the average diameter of PCL nanofibers was 440 ± 225 nm, while that of PCL-AX nanofibers decreased to 330 ± 165 nm, with smooth and bead-free surfaces.

3. Mechanical Testing of Nanofibers

The mechanical properties of the nanofibers were evaluated using uniaxial tensile testing. The tensile strength of PCL and PCL-AX nanofibers was 4.20 ± 0.3 MPa and 3.71 ± 0.1 MPa, respectively, while the elongation at break was 45.74 ± 0.1% and 62.60 ± 0.4%, respectively. The results indicated that the addition of AX improved the ductility of the nanofibers, making them more suitable for soft tissue regeneration.

4. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Analysis

FTIR spectroscopy was used to validate the successful incorporation of AX into the PCL matrix. The spectra of the PCL-AX group showed characteristic peaks of both PCL and AX, indicating no significant chemical interactions but rather physical or weak hydrogen bonding between the two components.

5. Swelling Behavior Testing

The nanofibrous matrices were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to evaluate their swelling behavior. Results showed that the PCL-AX matrix achieved a maximum swelling ratio of 23% within 5 hours and maintained stable water retention over 12 hours. This property helps absorb wound exudates, providing a moist environment conducive to wound healing.

6. Cell Adhesion and Proliferation Experiments

NIH3T3 fibroblast cells were seeded on PCL and PCL-AX matrices to evaluate cell adhesion and proliferation. Results showed that the cell adhesion rate on the PCL-AX matrix was 10% higher than that on the PCL matrix. SEM observations revealed more cytoplasmic extensions on the PCL-AX matrix, indicating better cytocompatibility. Additionally, the Alamar Blue™ assay demonstrated that the PCL-AX matrix significantly promoted fibroblast proliferation.

Research Conclusions and Significance

This study successfully prepared PCL-AX nanofibrous matrices and demonstrated their excellent mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and cytocompatibility. The incorporation of AX not only improved the hydrophobicity of PCL but also significantly enhanced fibroblast adhesion and proliferation. These results suggest that PCL-AX nanofibrous matrices have broad application prospects in wound healing and tissue engineering.

Research Highlights

  1. Innovative Material Design: For the first time, arabinoxylan was combined with poly(ε-caprolactone) to prepare nanofibrous matrices via electrospinning, providing a novel biomaterial for wound healing.
  2. Excellent Mechanical Properties: PCL-AX nanofibers exhibit high ductility and tensile strength, making them suitable for soft tissue regeneration.
  3. Good Biocompatibility: The PCL-AX matrix significantly promoted fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, indicating its potential for tissue engineering applications.
  4. Superior Swelling Behavior: The PCL-AX matrix effectively absorbs wound exudates, providing a moist environment for wound healing.

Other Valuable Information

The AX extraction method and electrospinning technique used in this study are conventional experimental methods and do not involve the development of special equipment or algorithms. However, through detailed experimental design and data analysis, the research team provided a solid scientific foundation for the application of PCL-AX nanofibrous matrices. Future research could further evaluate the wound healing efficacy of this material in animal models and explore its potential in other tissue engineering fields.