Incorporation and release of epidermal growth factor for spinal cord injury using emulsion based nanofibrous scaffolds

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a major public health challenge due to its severe and often irreversible neurological consequences. This study investigates the use of nanofibrous scaffolds, prepared by electrospinning of polymeric emulsions, for the incorporation and controlled release of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to enhance neuronal repair and regeneration following SCI. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was used as a biodegradable polymer, combined with Span 80 and Poloxamer 407 (Plx P407) to optimize the scaffolds for sustained EGF release. The emulsion electrospinning technique successfully encapsulated EGF while preserving its bioactivity, mitigating burst release issues. Morphological evaluation of the scaffolds revealed continuous structures with a distinct core-shell arrangement, and in vitro release studies demonstrated a prolonged release of EGF up to 25 days. Cumulative release for F10-EGF, F11-EGF, and F12-EGF nanofibers reached 97.4 ± 0.5 %, 94.7 ± 1.3 %, and 88.9 ± 1.6 %, respectively, with burst release values of 23.4 ± 2.6 %, 14.2 ± 1.6 %, and 8.6 ± 1.0 %. Cell viability assays confirmed the scaffolds' biocompatibility, and wound healing assays showed enhanced tissue regeneration in the presence of EGF. These findings highlight the amplified and prolonged therapeutic effects of EGF as both a neuroprotective agent and a promoter of tissue healing, offering a promising therapeutic approach for SCI. The developed scaffolds provide a platform for the long-term release of therapeutic agents, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes for patients with SCI. Future studies will explore in vivo applications to further validate these results in clinical settings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.