Zein supports scaffolding capacity toward mammalian cells and bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties on poly(ε-caprolactone)/zein electrospun fibers

Studies investigate the electrospinnability of poly(ε-caprolactone)/protein blends to produce fibers for tissue engineering applications. However, no reports show that zein can improve the scaffolding capacity toward stem cells and promote anti-adhesive and bactericidal properties to the poly(ε-caprolactone)/zein fibers. We create fibers with average diameters ranging from 200 to 400 nm from the electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone)/protein mixtures. Poly(ε-caprolactone)/zein blends are electrospinnable at zein concentration between 20 and 40 wt% in a 70/30 formic acid/acetic acid mixture. Water contact angle measurements indicate that zein increases fiber hydrophilicity. The water contact angle decreases from 118° (pure poly(ε-caprolactone) fiber) to 73° for the scaffold containing 40 wt% zein. The zein (40 wt%) significantly increases Young’s modulus from 260 MPa (pure poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers) to 980 MPa (poly(ε-caprolactone)/zein fibers) with no substantial influence on elongation at break (ε≥125%) and tensile strength (≥0.040 MPa). The electrospun scaffolds containing zein also promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and spreading of adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells for at least 7 days of culture. The zein on poly(ε-caprolactone)/zein fibers can prevent the attachment and proliferation of Escherichia coliand Staphylococcus aureus. We propose these materials for wound healing and skin repair.