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Abstract:
Biodegradability or materials physicochemical stability are the key biomaterials selection parameters for various medical and tissue engineering applications. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a natural copolymer known from its biocompatibility with great support for cells growth and attachment on films and fibers. In our studies, the physicochemical properties of electrospun PHBV fibers and spin-coated films aged for 1, 4 and 8 weeks were analyzed using bulk (FTIR) and surface chemistry (XPS) methods and water contact angle. Further, we characterized the zeta potential changes after aging, by means of electrokinetic measurements, and cell responses to it, using NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Colorimetric MTS cell viability test allowed the assessment of cell proliferation. Additionally, the morphology of fibroblasts and biointerfaces were studied by confocal laser and electron scanning microscopy (CLSM and SEM). These studies indicated that the activity, attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts is independent of aging of PHBV fibers and films. PHBV films show very stable zeta potential over 8 weeks of aging, opposite to PHBV fibers. Importantly, the flat film of PHBV increases cell proliferation, while the fibrous meshes are an excellent support for their stretching. The results of the study revealed clear advantages of PHBV films and fibrous meshes in cell-material interaction.

Keywords:
cell morphology, fibroblast, electrospun fibers, PHBV, Zeta potential