Toward Sustainability in Cardiac Tissue Engineering: Electrospun Polyurethane Scaffolds Functionalized With Lemon‐Derived Bioactives

ABSTRACT This study reports the fabrication of electrospun polyurethane (PU) scaffolds functionalized with lemon extract to address global cardiac health needs. The PU/lemon composite demonstrated a refined microstructure, with fibre diameters decreasing from 890 to 680 nm and pore sizes reducing from 1064 to 864 nm, which may facilitate improved cellular interactions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed successful biofunctionalization through hydrogen bonding. The incorporation of lemon shifted the surface from hydrophobic (100°) to more hydrophilic (86.67°) and increased the surface roughness (332 nm vs. 313 nm). Mechanical and thermal stability were also enhanced, with tensile strength increasing from 7.12 to 15.89 MPa. Crucially, the scaffold exhibited improved hemocompatibility, featuring a low haemolysis index (0.83% vs. 2.48%) and prolonged blood clotting times meeting international safety standards for blood‐contacting devices. Furthermore, the scaffolds displayed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, while promoting higher human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell proliferation (169% vs. 133%). By combining improved mechanical resilience, antithrombogenicity, and bioactivity, the PU/lemon scaffold presents a sustainable and multifunctional platform for cardiac tissue engineering, potentially contributing to global efforts, including the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for advancing cardiovascular regenerative therapies.