PLGA from PolySciTech used for creating pH sensitive nanofiber scaffold for live-cell pH analysis

PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) provides a wide array of biodegradable polymers including poly(lactide-co-glycolide). Recently, PolySciTech PLGA 85:15 LA:GA, ester capped, Mn 100-200kDa (PolyVivo Catalog # AP075) was used to form the polymeric base of an electrospun mesh which incorporated fluorophores and ionic additives. This research holds promise for developing a scaffold that allows for growth of cells and monitoring of their pH condition locally for improved research and understanding. Read more: Di, Wenjun, Ryan S. Czarny, Nathan A. Fletcher, Melissa D. Krebs, and Heather A. Clark. "Comparative Study of Poly (ε-Caprolactone) and Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Nanofiber Scaffolds for pH-Sensing." Pharmaceutical Research (2016): 1-12. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11095-016-1987-0

“Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to develop biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based nanofibers that continuously monitor pH within microenvironments of cultured cells in real-time. In the future, these fibers will provide a scaffold for tissue growth while simultaneously monitoring the extracellular environment. Methods: Sensors to monitor pH were created by directly electrospinning the sensor components within a polymeric matrix. Specifically, the entire fiber structure is composed of the optical equivalent of an electrode, a pH-sensitive fluorophore, an ionic additive, a plasticizer, and a polymer to impart mechanical stability. The resulting poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based sensors were characterized by morphology, dynamic range, reversibility and stability. Since PCL-based nanofibers delivered the most desirable analytical response, this matrix was used for cellular studies. Results: Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds (NFSs) were created directly out of optode material. The resulting NFS sensors respond to pH changes with a dynamic range centered at 7.8 ± 0.1 and 9.6 ± 0.2, for PCL and PLGA respectively. NFSs exhibited multiple cycles of reversibility with a lifetime of at least 15 days with preservation of response characteristics. By comparing the two NFSs, we found PCL-NFSs are more suitable for pH sensing due to their dynamic range and superior reversibility. Conclusion: The proposed sensing platform successfully exhibits a response to pH and compatibility with cultured cells. NSFs will be a useful tool for creating 3D cellular scaffolds that can monitor the cellular environment with applications in fields such as drug discovery and tissue engineering. KEY WORDS: electrospinning nanofibers pH detection poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) poly(ε-caprolactone)”