Preparation by coaxial electrospinning and characterization of membranes releasing (-) epicatechin as scaffold for tissue engineering

Optimal conditions for the preparation of a composite material of fibers of cellulose acetate (CA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), containing epicatechin (Epic) within the fiber CA/PVP-Epic/CA, were found. The morphology and physical/chemical properties of the fibrous membranes containing CA, PVP, and epicatechin were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, SEM, TEM, and natural weathering. Also, mechanical characterization of the fibers showed that tensile strength of the membrane was not affected by the presence of epicatechin within the fiber as compared with fibers without epicatechin. The effect of the medium on the release rate of epicatechin was also studied. The amount of epicatechin release was higher in water, 79.6%, and 31% in MesenCult medium. These results showed that these composite materials are recommended for cardiac tissue engineering; furthermore, using these materials allows precise release of the epicatechin in the damaged tissue. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.