Incorporation of Poly(propylene succinate-co-glycerol succinate) (PPSG) as a Renewable Additive in Electrospun PCL Fibers with Bioactive Glass Particles for Soft Tissue Engineering

Dourado Fernandes C, Grünewald A, Hadzhieva Z, Oechsler BF, Sayer C, Hermes de Araújo PH, Boccaccini AR (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

ACS Applied Bio Materials American Chemical Society

Abstract

As human longevity increases, the prevalence of age-related pathologies grows, driving the need for advances in regenerative medicine. This research evaluates poly(propylene succinate-co-glycerol succinate) (PPSG) as a renewable additive in electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) mats, to develop biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds incorporating 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) particles of size ∼4 μm. Electrospinning solutions with 20% (w/v) acetic acid were used, with PPSG proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. Additionally, BG particles were incorporated at 5, 15, and 30 wt % to enhance bioactivity. Uniform fibers were achieved with 10% PPSG at 0.4 mL/h and 15 kV, yielding bead-free structures. PPSG increased fiber diameter and mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus (E) rising from 1.7 ± 1 MPa (pure PCL) to 8.8 ± 1.5 MPa (PCL/20PPSG). Ultimate tensile strength (Σ) improved from 0.4 MPa (PCL) to 1.5 MPa (PCL/10PPSG). BG incorporation enhanced bioactivity but reduced mechanical stability due to particle distribution. Samples containing 15% BG exhibited significantly increased NHDF cell viability, and hydrophilicity improved with PPSG (reduced from 110° to 28 ± 3°). Biodegradability testing revealed a 45% ± 5 mass loss for 10% PPSG fibers over 35 days. The PCL/PPSG/BG composite demonstrates enhanced mechanical strength, bioactivity, and cell viability, making it a promising candidate for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Authors with CRIS profile

Alina Grünewald Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Biomaterialien) Zoya Hadzhieva Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Biomaterialien) Aldo Boccaccini Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Biomaterialien)

Involved external institutions

Federal University of Santa Catarina / Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Brazil (BR)

How to cite

APA:

Dourado Fernandes, C., Grünewald, A., Hadzhieva, Z., Oechsler, B.F., Sayer, C., Hermes de Araújo, P.H., & Boccaccini, A.R. (2025). Incorporation of Poly(propylene succinate-co-glycerol succinate) (PPSG) as a Renewable Additive in Electrospun PCL Fibers with Bioactive Glass Particles for Soft Tissue Engineering. ACS Applied Bio Materials. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.5c00176

MLA:

Dourado Fernandes, Clara, et al. "Incorporation of Poly(propylene succinate-co-glycerol succinate) (PPSG) as a Renewable Additive in Electrospun PCL Fibers with Bioactive Glass Particles for Soft Tissue Engineering." ACS Applied Bio Materials (2025).

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