The fabrication of uniaxially aligned micro-textured polycaprolactone struts and application for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration

One of the most important factors in skeletal muscle tissue regeneration is the alignment of muscle cells to mimic the native tissue. In this study, we developed a PCL-based scaffold with uniaxially aligned surface topography by stretching a 3D-printed scaffold. We examined the formation of aligned patterns by stretching the samples at different temperatures and stretching rates. This was possible through the effects of crystalline and amorphous regions on micro-textured deformation during the stretching process. We characterized the physical and biological properties of unstretched and stretched PCL struts. The stretched PCL showed greater surface roughness, protein absorption ability, and wettability. Moreover, myoblasts were cultured on the stretched and unstretched samples to analyze cellular activity. The cells cultured on the stretched samples were aligned along the pattern and showed a more elongated morphology. Furthermore, proliferation and differentiation were increased on the stretched samples resulting in a greater number of myotubes. We also discuss the possible alternative applications of this developed scaffold in other tissues.