Investigating the Effects of Bead Formation on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Electrospun Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Membranes: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the impact of bead formation on the properties of electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membranes, particularly mechanical strength, uniformity, and cell adhesion, challenging the conventional belief that bead-free membranes are superior.

Materials and Methods

Three types of PLGA membranes were fabricated: beaded (B), fibrous (F), and a mixed (M) configuration of beads and fibers. Morphological, chemical, and surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle measurements. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were used to assess in vitro cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability across the different membrane types.

Results

SEM imaging revealed distinct morphologies among the different membranes produced via electrospinning. FTIR analysis revealed no significant differences in the chemical composition of the membranes. Contact angle measurements indicated that membranes B and M became more hydrophilic over time, while membrane F remained relatively hydrophobic. All membranes supported DPSCs growth, with membrane M facilitating deeper cell infiltration into the scaffold, indicating enhanced cell integration. Viability assays revealed no significant differences in cell proliferation after 7 days, demonstrating that bead presence did not impair cell growth.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that bead formation in PLGA membranes may offer advantages, such as improved hydrophilicity and enhanced cell infiltration, without compromising cell viability. This study challenges the notion that bead-free membranes are inherently superior and highlights the potential of bead morphology in optimizing electrospun PLGA scaffolds for biomedical applications.

Keywords

bead formation - electrospun membranes - membrane characterization - physicochemical properties - PLGA scaffolds.

Ethical Approval Statement

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (Approval No. REC-21-01-16-02).

Publication History

Article published online:
01 May 2025

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