Production and Characterization of Bead-Free β-Chitosan/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanofibers by Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering

Introduction Over the years, there has been a growing need for the production of a nanofibrous scaffold with favorable physicochemical properties that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) both morphologically and chemically. Therefore, this study focused on the production of beta-chitosan (beta-Cts) nanofibrous scaffold from the waste of pen of the locally available variety Loligo duvauceli (Indian squid). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production of nanofibrous scaffolds using beta-chitosan. Methodology Scaffolds containing beta-chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were fabricated using electrospinning. Subsequently, prepared beta-Cts/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds were evaluated for their morphology by SEM imaging, swelling capacity, and degradation property. Furthermore, in silico analysis was done to determine the possible interaction between the natural (beta-Cts) and synthetic polymer (PVA). Results The beta-Cts/PVA nanofiber scaffolds had an average fiber diameter of 120 to 550 nm. beta-Cts/PVA (40:60) blend nanofibers exhibited a swelling ratio of 36 +/- 2.5% with mass loss percentage of 20 +/- 2.71% after 4 weeks of degradation. It also exhibited good hemocompatibility. In vitro experiments showed that the produced nanofibrous scaffolds supported the attachment and proliferation of HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. In silico analysis confirmed the interaction between beta-chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol). Conclusion The prepared beta-Cts/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds are a promising candidate for tissue engineering. Lay Summary Uniform nanofibers are not produced from all polymer solutions. beta-Cts has been found to possess unique functionality such as higher solubility, reactivity, absorptivity, degree of deacetylation, and lower crystallinity. Despite its exceptional properties, electrospinning of it has been met with challenges. In the present work, PVA is used to moderate the repelling interactions among beta-chitosan chains. Herein, first time, we report the processing parameters and ambient conditions required for the production of electrospun, extracted beta-Cts/PVA blend nanofibers without bead formation, and its use as a potential scaffold for tissue engineering applications.