Modification of PCL Electrospun Nanofibrous Mat With Calendula officinalis Extract for Improved Interaction With Cells

Nanofibers have improved the performance of biomaterials, and could be considered effective. In this study, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)/Calendula officinalis nanofibers were well designed by different analyses. FTIR structural analysis showed the presence of functional groups on the nanofibrous surfaces. The SEM images showed the average size of nanofibers increased with increase in Calendula concentration. The 100 degrees difference was obtained in the contact angle analysis with changes in Calendula concentration; however, tensile strength decreased for the Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/Calendula officinalis nanofibrous mat compared those unmodified ones. Cellular investigation showed better adhesion, proliferation, and tenocyte cells growth on poly(epsilon-caprolactone)= Calendula officinalis nanofibrous samples than pure PCL nanofibrous mat. The bioavailability of PCL fibers with Calendula officinalis extract was found to be identical to that of PCL fibers, indicating that Calendula officinalis extract is a suitable material for enhancing the biocompatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds. [GRAPHICS] .