The effect of engineered nanotopography of electrospun microfibers on fiber rigidity and macrophage cytokine production

AbstractCurrently, it is unknown how the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers, and the presentation of surface nanotopography influence macrophage gene expression and protein production. By further elucidating how specific fiber properties (mechanical properties or surface properties) alter macrophage behavior, it may be possible to create electrospun fiber scaffolds capable of initiating unique cellular and tissue responses. In this study, we determined the elastic modulus and rigidity of fibers with varying topographies created by finely controlling humidity and including a non-solvent during electrospinning. In total,five fiber scaffold types were produced. Analysis of fiber physical properties demonstrated no change in fiber diameter amongst the five different fiber groups. However, the four different fibrous scaffolds with nanopits or divots each possessed different numbers of pits with different nanoscale dimensions. Unpolarized bone marrow derived murine macrophages (M0), macrophages polariz...