Electrospun membranes of polycaprolactone, graphene oxide, and fish collagen: Fabrication and physicochemical and mechanical properties

In recent years, there has been an increased need for new and/or improved biomaterials for tissue engineering, especially when it comes to creating scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix. These scaffolds must possess specific physicochemical characteristics to support cell growth and help form functional tissues. In this study, we analyzed the morphological, physical and mechanical properties of electrospun membranes made from polycaprolactone (PCL), graphene oxide (GO), and fish collagen (COLp). We made PCL/GO membranes using electrospinning; after creating them, we coated the membranes with COLp through a systematic immersion method to boost their possible use as a biodegradable material. Examined them with various techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle analysis, porosity measurements, surface roughness analysis, and mechanical testing. The results showed that adding GO improved both the surface roughness and mechanical strength, while COLp made PCL less hydrophobic. The PCL/GO/COLp membrane achieved a perfect balance between porosity and mechanical strength and showed a promising moderate degradation rate to promote tissue integration. When compared to the commercial Bio-Gide® membrane, these composite membranes offered more versatility for tissue engineering applications, combining better mechanical performance with biodegradability in vitro . These findings suggest that PCL/GO/COLp membranes hold great promise for use in regenerative medicine and other biomedical fields.