Piezoelectric core–shell PHBV/PDX blend scaffolds for reduced superficial wound contraction and scarless tissue regeneration

Abstract

The use of non-invasive scaffold materials which can mimic the innate piezoelectric properties of biological tissues is a promising strategy to promote native tissue regeneration. Piezoelectric and cell instructive electrospun core–shell PDX/PHBV mats have been engineered to promote native tissue and skin regeneration. In depth physicochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo studies of a rat model showed that the 20/80 PDX/PHBV composition possessed the right balance of physicochemical and piezoelectric properties leading to enhanced fibroblast stimulation, proliferation and migration, reduced fibroblast-mediated contraction and macrophage-induced inflammation, improved keratinocyte proliferation, proper balance between endothelial cell phenotypes, decreased in vivo fibrosis and accelerated in vivo scarless wound regeneration. Overall, this study highlights the importance of exploiting cell–material interactions to match tissue biological needs to sustain the wound healing cascade.