Aligned Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanofibers Superimposed on Decellularized Human Amniotic Membrane Promoted Myogenic Differentiation of Adipose Derived Stem Cells

This study was designed to fabricate a suitable permanent scaffold for the normal aligned myotube formation and improve the process of myogenic differentiation of selected stem cells.

In this experimental study, an engineered scaffold composed of decellularized human amniotic membrane (DHAM) and electrospun fibers of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was fabricated and characterized. PCL nanofibers were superimposed on DHAM (PCL-DHAM) in two different patterns, including randomized fibers (Random) and aligned fibers (Aligned). Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from adult Wistar rats and cultured on designed scaffold and induced to myotube differentiation. Using an MTT assay, the vitality of cells was determined. Then, myogenic cell differentiation was assessed using scan electron microscopy (SEM), immunofluorescence assay, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The mechanical properties of engineered PCL-DHAM composite improved significantly compared to DHAM as a control. The engineered PCL-DHAM promoted cell growth and high expression of myosin, Mhc2 and myogenin and thus enhanced the myotube formation.

These findings revealed that bio-composite membrane prepared from PCL nanofibers and DHAM, may represent a promising biomaterial as a desirable scaffold for applying in the bioengineered muscle repair.