The effects of fabricated polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofiber scaffolds via various organic solvents and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on the metabolic activity of fibroblast cell line L929

Abstract Electrospun Polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin(Gel) nanofibrous scaffolds can provide a biomimetic fibrous environment for cell–material interactions. This study investigated how acidic and emulsion solvent environments and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) loading affect fiber morphology, physicochemical characteristics, and the metabolic activity of L929 fibroblasts. PCL/Gel nanofibers were fabricated using acidic and emulsion electrospinning formulations, with 0%, 10%, or 20% PRP. A Trifluoroacetic acid(TFA)-based formulation was evaluated during formulation screening. Scaffolds were cross-linked using 25% glutaraldehyde vapor, and L929 fibroblasts were cultured on selected scaffolds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and simultaneous thermal analysis (Thermogravimetric Analysis—Differential Thermal Analysis) (STA/ TGA-DTA) were used for physicochemical characterization, and Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate cellular metabolic activity. Statistical comparisons were performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak multiple-comparisons testing. Emulsion electrospinning produced smaller fibers than the acidic formulation. PRP incorporation was associated with a further reduction in mean fiber diameter. The 10% PRP formulation showed a favorable overall cellular metabolic response, although the emulsion scaffold containing 20% PRP showed the highest numerical metabolic activity in a specific comparison. FTIR supported the presence of PRP-associated chemical functionalities, while STA/TGA demonstrated differences in the thermal behavior of PRP after exposure to the acidic and emulsion solvent systems. Within the conditions tested, solvent environment and PRP loading influenced scaffold morphology and L929 cellular metabolic activity. The emulsion formulation with approximately 10% PRP showed a favorable combination of fiber morphology and cellular response. These findings support further investigation of PRP-containing PCL/gelatin electrospun scaffolds, while additional studies are required to establish PRP growth-factor bioactivity, release behavior, residual cross-linker content, and quantitative cell proliferation.