Development of mechanically reinforced bioadhesive electrospun nanofibers using cellulose acetate–levan complexes

Although electrospun nanofibers have great potential for various tissue engineering applications, owing to their large surface area and extracellular matrix-mimicking properties, their lack of appropriate mechanical strength and biological cues for cell adhesion and proliferation limits their widespread use in tissue engineering. Nanofiber composite possessing two or more desired properties and functions has garnered considerable attention regarding its utility in diverse biomedical applications. In the present study, we aimed to develop a mechanically reinforced electrospun composite nanofiber by blending cellulose acetate and levan. Crosslinking the composite nanofiber with citric acid could significantly enhance its mechanical properties and thermal stability. In fact, the composite nanofibers had an adhesive strength of up to 1.27 MPa, which is similar to that of commercial tissue adhesive fibrin glue. The bioadhesive trait of composite nanofiber and the unique properties of levan not only enabled remarkable biocompatibility but also improved the levels of cell attachment and proliferation. Overall, the developed electrospun composite nanofibers can be used as promising cell scaffolds in tissue regenerative cell therapy.