Enhanced Cellular Compatibility of Chitosan/Collagen Multilayers LBL Modified Nanofibrous Mats

Abstract Developing novel, lightweight and biocompatible mesh for pelvic organ prolapse, a gynecological disease, has attracted the global interest of biomedical researchers. In our study, polycaprolactone and nylon 6 mats with excellent mechanical properties were fabricated via co-electrospinning. Positively charged chitosan with antimicrobial properties and negatively charged collagen with good biocompatibility were then assembled on the nanofiber mats via layer by layer (LBL) technology. SEM and mechanical property tests showed that LBL deposition increased the nanofibers’ diameter and elastic modulus. To evaluate the successful deposition process, the zeta potential, The Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses were conducted to systematically study the mats’ chemical characterization. The results indicated that the mats’ composition and structure significantly changed after LBL modification. Cell biology experiments demonstrated that the LBL-structured mats can facilitate cell growth, proliferation, and adhesion. Antibacterial tests confirmed their excellent antibacterial activity. Chitosan/Collagen-coated Polycaprolactone/Nylon 6 mats demonstrate considerable potential as implant materials for pelvic reestablishment in pelvic organ prolapse patients.