Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alumina nanowires as reinforcement phases in polyhydroxybutyrate-chitosan (PHB-CTS) scaffolds to apply in cartilage tissue engineering.
Methods: A certain proportion of polymers and alumina was chosen. After optimization of electrospun parameters, PHB, PHB-CTS, and PHB-CTS/3% Al2O3 nanocomposite scaffolds were randomly electrospun. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle measurement, tensile strength, and chondrocyte cell culture studies were used to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the scaffolds.
Results: The average fiber diameter of scaffolds was 300-550 nm and the porosity percentages for the first layer of all types of scaffolds were more than 81%. Scaffolds' hydrophilicity was increased by adding alumina and CTS. The tensile strength of scaffolds decreased by adding CTS and increased up to more than 10 folds after adding alumina. Chondrocyte viability and proliferation on scaffolds were better after adding CTS and alumina to PHB.
Conclusion: With regard to the results, electrospun PHB-CTS/3% Al2O3 scaffold has the appropriate potential to apply in cartilage tissue engineering.
Keywords: Alumina nanowires; cartilage tissue engineering; chitosan; electrospinning; polyhydroxybutyrate.