Acoustic transmitted electrospun fibrous membranes for tympanic membrane regeneration

Abstract Scaffold with good acoustic transmission effect, high mechanical strength and good biocompatibility is a challenge for tympanic membrane (TM) regeneration. A new strategy using Tannic acid (TA) as the structural matrix crosslinked with Gelatin methacryloyl (Gelma) hydrogel, a new type of GelMA-TA double-cross-linked hydrogel acoustic transmitted electrospun fibrous membrane with good acoustic effect, strong mechanical properties and excellent cellular adhesion was constructed, implanted in situ to promote the TM regeneration. TA interacts with GelMA electrospun fibrous membrane to form N-H ···O=C and O-H···O=C intermolecular hydrogen bonds. By adjusting TA concentration, the mechanical strength of the GelMA-TA can be adjusted to improve the sound response sensitivity and reduce the sound loss. GelMA-TA has good porosity and biocompatibility, enabling the cells to adhere, penetrate and grow uniformly. Histological analysis and CD31 immunohistochemical analysis showed that GelMA-TA not only shortened the healing period of TM, but also improved the healing rate, forming a three-layer structure similar to the natural TM. GelMA-TA's excellent acoustic character were also confirmed by in vitro acoustic tests and in vivo objective audiological results. The GelMA-TA acoustic transmitted electrospun fibrous membranes proves to be efficient and versatile in TM structure and the function regeneration.