Hydrogels reinforced by electrospun nanofibrous yarns designed for tissue engineering applications: mechanical and cellular properties

Abstract

Hydrogels are porous biomaterials widely used in tissue engineering (TE), but they require a mechanism to enhance their mechanical properties. Electrospun nanofibrous yarn (EN yarn) can be a suitable candidate for reinforcing hydrogels. In this study, aiming to improve mechanical performance, hydrogel-based scaffolds reinforced by EN yarns (yarn reinforced hydrogel) were fabricated. The morphological characterization, swelling measurement, and tensile tests were performed to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological function of the designed yarn reinforced hydrogel. The measured mechanical properties were used as inputs in the mathematical model of the modified rule of mixtures to predict the mechanical behavior of different yarn reinforced hydrogels, which could be used as scaffolds for different tissues. Cell-scaffold interactions were also evaluated by in vitro assays. This study indicated that adding EN yarns to the neat hydrogel decreased the porosity and swelling, while the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were improved. In vitro assays showed that cells had better adhesion and spread on the surface of the yarn reinforced hydrogel than those on the surface of the neat hydrogel. Regarding the improvement in mechanical and cellular properties, the yarn reinforced hydrogel has the potential to be used as a novel scaffold in TE.