Nanofibrous Composites Reinforced By Mos2 Nanosheets As A Conductive Scaffold For Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Mimicking the structure of extracellular matrix and electrical conductivity of myocardium are required to regenerate the functional cardiac tissue. In this study, Molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, nanosheets were synthesized and incorporated into nylon6 electrospun nanofibers in order to enhance the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the scaffolds. Then, the mouse embryonic cardiac cells, mECCs, were seeded on the scaffolds for in vitro studies. The MoS2 nanosheets were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Nylon/MoS2 nanofibers were characterized by SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), water contact angle measurement, electrical conductivity, and tensile test. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of scaffolds was confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, MTT, assay. SEM images showed more elongated morphology for mECCs attached to the nylon/MoS2 scaffold. Also, the Real-Time PCR and immunostaining studies indicated the maturation and upregulation of cardiac functional genes including GATA-4, c-TnT, Nkx 2.5 and alpha-MHC in the nylon/MoS2 scaffold in comparison to the bare nylon. Therefore, MoS2 reinforced nylon nanofibrous scaffolds can be considered as a suitable candidate in cardiac tissue engineering.