Tannic acid-derived metal-phenolic networks facilitate PCL nanofiber mesh vascularization by promoting the adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells

Abstract

Synthetic polymer nanofiber meshes produced by electrospinning with a high surface area and suitable porosity mimic the basic structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) for endothelial cell culture. However, some polymers lacking a cell adhesion surface cause defective vessel formation by cells. Herein, we evaluated metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) formed by tannic acid (TA) and metal ions (Fe³⁺ ions) as nanoscale coating systems on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber surfaces for the modulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) morphology and function.