Improved cell infiltration and vascularization of three-dimensional bacterial cellulose nanofibrous scaffolds by template biosynthesis

Abstract

A significant problem limiting the application of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue regeneration is the nanoscale pores that inhibit cell infiltration and vascularization in their three-dimensional (3D) structure. In this paper, a facile method was used to fabricate 3D microporous nanofibrous gelatin/BC composite scaffolds (Gel/BC) by stationary cultivation Gluconacetobacter xylinus using microporous gelatin scaffold as a template. The Gel/BC scaffolds with highly interconnected micropore (171 ± 71 μm) and surface decorated on the micropore walls by BC nanofibers (25.2 ± 7.0 nm) were fabricated, which are remarkably similar in structure to the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Cell distribution, viability and morphology were evaluated by seeding adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on the scaffolds, using the 3D laser scanning confocal microscopy (3D-LSCM), LIVE/DEAD® viability/cytotoxicity assay and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). In vivo biocompatibility was evaluated by subcutaneous implantation using a dog model for 2 weeks. These results indicate that the 3D microporous nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility, promoting cellular attachment, proliferation and maintain cellular phenotype, improving cellular infiltration and vascularization. It is anticipated that this 3D microporous nanofibrous scaffold can be applied in the fields such as medical implants, cell supports, and materials, which can be used as instructive 3D environments for tissue regeneration.