Co-electrospun gelatin-poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds: Modulation of mechanical properties and chondrocyte response as a function of composition

• Bio-synthetic scaffolds of PLLA and gelatin are produced by co-electrospinning.
• Scaffolds with tailored PLLA–gelatin composition are fabricated.
• PLLA/gelatin ratio controls scaffold mechanical properties and mineralization.
• Chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation are modulated.
• Scaffolds are suitable for cartilage–bone interface tissue engineering.

Bio-synthetic scaffolds of interspersed poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and gelatin (GEL) fibers are fabricated by co-electrospinning. Tailored PLLA/GEL compositions are obtained and GEL crosslinking with genipin provides for the maintenance of good fiber morphology. Scaffold tensile mechanical properties are intermediate between those of pure PLLA and GEL and vary as a function of PLLA content. Primary human chondrocytes grown on the scaffolds exhibit good proliferation and increased values of the differentiation parameters, especially for intermediate PLLA/GEL compositions. Mineralization tests enable the deposition of a uniform layer of poorly crystalline apatite onto the scaffolds, suggesting potential applications involving cartilage as well as cartilage–bone interface tissue engineering.

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