Polyglycerol Sebacate/polycaprolactone/reduced graphene oxide composite scaffold for myocardial tissue engineering

The aim of this research was to fabricate and evaluate polyglycerol sebacate/polycaprolactone/reduced graphene oxide (PGS-PCL-RGO) composite scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering. Polyglycerol sebacate polymer was synthesized using glycerol and sebacic acid prepolymers, confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Six PGS-PCL-RGO composite scaffolds (S₁-S₆) with various weight ratios were prepared in chloroform (CF) and acetone (Ace) solvents at 8 CF:2Ace and 9 CF:1Ace volume ratios, using the electrospinning method at a rate of 1 ml/h and a voltage of 18 kV. The scaffolds' chemical composition and microstructure were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further investigations included tensile testing, contact angle testing, four-point probe testing for electrical conductivity, degradation testing, and cytotoxicity testing (MTT). The results showed that adding 2%wt RGO to the composite scaffold decreased fiber diameter and degradation rate, while increasing electrical conductivity and ductility. The 33%PGS-65%PCL-2%RGO (S₃) composite scaffold exhibited the lowest degradation rate (23.87 % over 60 days) and the highest electrical conductivity (51E-3 S/m). Mechanical evaluations revealed an elastic modulus of 2.46 MPa and elongation of 62.43 %, aligning closely with the heart muscle's elastomeric properties. The contact angle test indicated that the scaffold was hydrophilic, with a water contact angle of 61 ± 2°. Additionally, the cell toxicity test confirmed that scaffolds containing RGO were non-toxic and supported good cell viability. In conclusion, the 33%PGS-65%PCL-2%RGO composite scaffold exhibits mechanical and structural properties similar to heart tissue, making it an ideal candidate for myocardial tissue engineering.