Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun 75:25 PLGA Nanofibers for Skin Tissue Engineering

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer that has been extensively used in various tissue engineering applications. In this study, the potential of using scaffolds made of fibrous PLGA films for skin reconstruction and drug delivery was investigated. The mechanical properties of the films, the short term release kinetics, the glass transition temperature as well the morphology are assessed. Samples of PLGA 75: 25 (lactic acid/glycolic acid content ratio = 75: 25) are tested. The modulus of elasticity (8.3-22.5 MPa), the ultimate tensile stress (0.150-0.380 MPa), and the corresponding elongation were within the lower limits known for human skin and some soft tissues. The glass transition temperature of PLGA changed slightly (1.7%) post manufacturing and was higher than the average skin temperature. Moreover, short term release kinetics were slow which indicated that drug release could be controlled to locally deliver drugs over a prolonged period. Thus, in conclusion, biodegradable PLGA is promising for skin tissue engineering scaffold applications requiring further optimization and experimentation.