Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Curcumin Scaffolds: Optimization of fiber production for enhanced Nanotopography and improved biological cell adhesion

• Curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds were produced by electrospinning; • Flow of the PCL solution was improved in presence of curcumin; • The presence of curcumin increased scaffolds’ mechanical properties; • Curcumin addition also enhanced the biological response; Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound with well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, has gained attention for its potential in tissue regeneration and other biomedical applications. Despite this, the integration of curcumin into polymeric scaffolds remains challenging due to its hydrophobic nature and stability concerns. This study aims to overcome these limitations by developing and characterizing curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds through electrospinning, a technique selected based on a comprehensive review of recent advances in the field. In this work, PCL scaffolds were fabricated with curcumin concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mg and analyzed using advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, mechanical testing, and biological assays. Microscopy revealed that increasing curcumin concentrations improved fiber diameter uniformity and distribution. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the homogeneous incorporation of curcumin within the scaffolds, showing that up to 10 mg, the electrospinning process induces a transition of curcumin from its di-keto to its more reactive keto-enol form. This transformation facilitates hydrogen bonding with the PCL matrix, enhancing the scaffolds’ mechanical properties. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated high cell viability across all scaffolds after 24 and 72 h. Furthermore, adhesion studies with fibroblast BJ-1 cells indicated significantly improved cell adhesion on curcumin-loaded scaffolds compared to pure PCL. These findings highlight the biocompatibility and bioactivity of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffolds. This study examines the possible use of curcumin’s controlled integration into PCL scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications. The innovative approach detailed here offers a scalable and effective pathway for the development of biomaterials that combine mechanical strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility, addressing a critical need in tissue engineering.