Biomimetic Catechol-Incorporated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Functional Salivary Glands

Kwon S, Ryu JH, et al.

Biomaterials Research

Seoul National University, Wonkwang University, Dankook University, Kyungpook National University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Institute for Basic Science (IBS)

South Korea

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study developed catechol-incorporated polyacrylonitrile (PAN-C) nanofiber scaffolds that mimic the embryonic salivary gland niche by adsorbing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors secreted by mesenchymal cells. PAN-C nanofibers provided biomimetic mechanical and biochemical cues, promoting epithelial proliferation, branching morphogenesis, and acinar differentiation in embryonic salivary gland (eSG) organoids (Fig. 1–6, pp. 3–12). RNA-seq showed that PAN-C reduced mechanical stress genes (Actg2, Cyr61) and up-regulated cell-growth and differentiation markers (Ccnd1, Aqp5). Functional organoids displayed polarized apical AQP5 expression and restored secretory-like phenotypes without exogenous FGF-2 or laminin, highlighting PAN-C as a bioactive, cost-effective platform for salivary gland regeneration.

Compressive mechanical testing of PAN and PAN-C nanofibers was performed using a CellScale MicroTester G2 (two-parallel-plate system). Nanofiber mats (n = 3 each) were compressed 20 % of their diameter for 20 s under constant load while displacement was optically tracked. Force–displacement curves recorded by MicroTester software yielded Young’s moduli of 182.6 ± 12.3 kPa for PAN and 199.9 ± 11.6 kPa for PAN-C, indicating no stiffness difference. The MicroTester G2 data established that catechol incorporation did not alter bulk mechanics but enhanced biocompatibility through ECM/growth-factor adsorption.

AUTHORS

Seokjun Kwon, Ji Hyun Ryu, Junchul Kim, Hyun Ho Shin, Gehoon Chung, Ali Taghizadeh, Jung-Hwan Lee, Jongho Kim, Bon-Cheol Ku, Kyungpyo Park, Sang-woo Lee.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Biomaterials Research

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

Seoul National University, Wonkwang University, Dankook University, Kyungpook National University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Institute for Basic Science (IBS)

COUNTRIES

South Korea

INSTRUMENT USED

MicroTester

TESTING METHODS

Compression TestingMicro-Mechanical Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Dental & Oral Tissue BiomechanicsECM & Decellularized Matrix MechanicsInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsMechanotransductionOrganoid and Tissue Mimetic SystemsStem Cell Mechanobiology

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