Development of collagen-poly(caprolactone)-based core-shell scaffolds supplemented with proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans for ligament repair

Core-shell scaffolds offer a promising regenerative solution to debilitating injuries anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) thanks unique biphasic structure. Nevertheless, current core-shell designs are impaired by an imbalance between permeability, biochemical and mechanical cues. This study aimed address this issue creating porous construct which favors cell infiltration matrix production, while providing stability at the site of injury. The developed scaffold combines outer shell electrospun poly(caprolactone) fibers with freeze-dried core type I collagen doped proteoglycans (biglycan, decorin) or glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate). aligned fibrous achieved elastic modulus akin human ACL, is permeable mesenchymal stem (hMSC). Doping aforementioned biomolecules led structural changes in pore network. Assessment cellular metabolic activity contraction shows that hMSCs actively remodel different degrees, depending on core's doping formulation. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining mRNA transcript levels show collagen-chondroitin sulphate formulation has highest production activity, collagen-decorin featured profile more characteristic undamaged tissue. Together, demonstrates target leads distinct cell-mediated remodeling. Overall, work resulted development versatile robust platform combination features have significant potential promoting repair process ACL