Shape memory engineered scaffold ({SMES}) for potential repair of neural tube defects

Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent the second most common cause of congenital malformations in the chil-dren. Aim of the work is the development of a shape memory engineered scaffold (SMES) focused to potentially improve Myelomeningocele (most common type of spina bifida defect) repair in fetus. Copolymer poly-L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone (PLA-PCL) 70:30 M ratio, due to its glass transition temperature (Tg) close to physiologic temperature (32-42 C) was used to produce electrospun scaffolds that were engineered with MSCs from am-niotic fluid. The engineered scaffolds were rolled up and then underwent a cycle of high (T > Tg) and low temperature (T < Tg) in order to induce solid status change from rubbery to glassy and fix their rolled shape. The scaffolds were characterized for the shape memory parameters Rf% (ability to fix new temperature induced shape) and Rr% (ability to recover the primary shape). Biological characterization included cell viability % determination by MTT test, cytofluorimetry and microscope analysis for DAPI stained and Live-Dead Assay. Scaffold degradation test was performed in amniotic fluid and mechanical properties of electrospun scaffold were evaluated up to 4 months incubation in amniotic fluid simulated in vivo conditions. The preliminary and innovative results obtained from this work permit to consider this SMES a good shape memory material (Rf% =79 +/- 5.2; Rr% = 98 +/- 3.1) and suitable support for MSCs proliferation.