Surface modification of patterned electrospun nanofibrous films via the adhesion of DOPA-bFGF and DOPA-ponericin G1 for skin wound healing

Combining biodegradable materials with bioactive factors for skin wound healing has been receiving significant attention. This study was inspired by the adhesion mechanism of a marine organism, the mussel. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) was introduced to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and ponericin G1 (PonG1) using tyrosine hydroxylation, which are expected to have strong binding affinities to the surfaces of materials. DOPA-bFGF and DOPA-PonG1 were applied for the surface modification of patterned poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun nanofibrous films for skin wound healing. The DOPA-bFGF- and DOPA-PonG1-modified patterned PLGA nanofibrous films were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, and materials testing machine. Then, the immobilization efficiencies and antibacterial abilities of the different films were examined. The results show that the DOPA-bFGF- and DOPA-PonG1-modified PLGA nanofibrous films exhibited bionic performance, improved tensile strength, and hydrophilicity. DOPA-bFGF and DOPA-PonG1 exhibited stronger binding abilities to films compared with bFGF and PonG1. DOPA-bFGF and DOPA-PonG1 films can significantly promote BALB/c 3T3 cell attachment, proliferation and tissue repair-related gene expression. In vivo experiments indicated that DOPA-PonG1/DOPA-bFGF@PLGA nanofibrous films shortened the wound healing time, accelerated epithelialization and promoted skin remodelling. Keywords: DOPA-bFGF, DOPA-PonG1, PLGA, Patterned, Nanofibrous films, Skin tissue engineering