Chitosan Imparts Better Biological Properties for Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Membranes than Dexamethasone

Poly(ε-caprolactone), an aliphatic polyester with biodegradability and cytocompatibility, has been used to create scaffolds for tissue engineering purposes. However, the hydrophobicity and low water absorptivity of poly(ε-caprolactone) reduce cell anchorage on their membranes. Here, poly(ε-caprolactone)-based scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone)-chitosan blend, and poly(ε-caprolactone)-dexamethasone solution. Chitosan and dexamethasone play an essential role to increase the scaffolding performance of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based electrospun membranes. A poly(ε-caprolactone) membrane without chitosan and dexamethasone did not provide satisfactory results to promote cell culture of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). Compared to the poly(ε-caprolactone)-dexamethasone surface, poly(ε-caprolactone)-chitosan membrane imparts better cytoskeletal reorganization, and cell spreading, increasing the strength of cell attachment. Also, poly(ε-caprolactone)-chitosan composite provides strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ca. 90% inhibition). Therefore, the poly(ε-caprolactone)-chitosan composite is a better alternative to treat skin diseases and promote skin regeneration than conventional approaches based on dexamethasone.