DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROSPUN MEMBRANES AND HYDROGELS FOR IN VITRO MODELS AND TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

This doctoral research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of polymer-based biomaterials for tissue engineering (TE) and 3D in vitro models, aiming to create multifunctional systems that replicate key features of native extracellular matrices (ECM). The study combines electrospinning, hydrogel formulation, and Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) devices to develop biomimetic scaffolds suitable for TE applications and drug screening platforms.Electrospinning was employed to produce nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking ECM architecture, with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as the main polymer and collagen to enhance bioactivity. Functionalization with drugs or bioactive molecules enabled the development of multifunctional scaffolds. Aligned PLA/collagen membranes loaded with Rolipram were designed as tendon-mimetic scaffolds. PLA membranes incorporating Cannabis-derived essential oils (THC/CBD) demonstrated modified thermal and mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and potential for treating inflammatory bronchial mucosa. Preliminary studies on PVDF-TrFE/magnetite electrospun nanocomposites explored responsive systems for chondral tissue regeneration.Hydrogel systems were also investigated due to their high-water content and ECM-mimicking properties. Chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite hydrogels supported osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, while alginate hydrogels reinforced with carbon nanotubes enabled electrically conductive 3D in vitro neural models. Different hydrogel morphologies were evaluated for breast cancer research, highlighting the importance of structure on cell behavior and drug screening.Integration of electrospun scaffolds and hydrogels into microfluidic devices allowed the development of liver-on-a-chip and tumor-mimicking platforms. Custom PMMA microfluidic devices supported multiple hydrogel crosslinking strategies, offering a versatile and cost-effective OoC solution.In conclusion, this PhD project demonstrates the potential of polymeric scaffolds and hydrogels to create biomimetic systems that support cell activity, deliver bioactive molecules, and emulate the ECM. The integration within OoC platforms provides a promising strategy for reproducing tissue complexity in controlled, dynamic environments, highlighting the translational potential of these engineered systems.