Electrospinning Technology to Influence Hep-G2 Cell Growth on PVDFFiber Mats as Medical Scaffolds: A New Perspective of Advanced Biomaterial

Abstract

This research focuses on designing polymer membranes as biocompatible materials using home-built electrospinning equipment, offering alternative solutions for tissue regener ation applications. This technological development supports cell growth on biomaterial substrates, including hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells. This work researches the compatibility of polymermembranes (fibermats) made of polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) for possible use in cellular engineering. A standard culture medium was employed to support the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells under controlled conditions (37◦C, 4.8% CO2, and 100% relative humidity). Subsequently, after the incubation period, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assays were conducted in a physiological environment to characterize the electrical cellular response, providing insights into the biocompatibility of the material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate cell adhesion, morphology, and growth on the PVDF polymer membranes. The results suggest that PVDF polymer membranes can be successfully produced through electrospinning technology, resulting in the formation of a dipole structure, including the possible presence of a polar β-phase, contributing to piezoelectric activity. EIS measurements, based on Rct and Cdl values, are indicators of ion charge transfer and strong electrical interactions at the membrane interface. These findings suggest a favorable environment for cell proliferation, thereby enhancing cellular interactions at the fiber interface within the electrolyte. SEM observations displayed a consistent distribution of fibers with a distinctive spherical agglomeration on the entire PVDF surface. Finally, integrating piezoelectric properties into cell culture systems provides new opportunities for investigating the influence of electrical interactions on cellular behavior through electrochemical techniques. Based on the experimental results, this electrospun polymer demonstrates great potential as a promising candidate for next-generation biomaterials, with a probable application in tissue regeneration.