Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Based Nanocomposite Scaffolds Incorporating Salvia Officinalis and Graphene Oxide for Neural Tissue Regeneration Publisher



Emadi S ; Ebrahimianhosseinabadi M ; Kharazi AZ
Source: Journal of Bionic Engineering Published:2026

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and comprehensively characterize electrospun Polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanocomposite scaffolds incorporating Salvia officinalis (Salvia) and Graphene Oxide (GO) for potential applications in neural tissue regeneration. Four scaffold compositions, namely PCL-20Salvia, PCL-10Salvia, PCL-20Salvia-2GO, and PCL-10Salvia-2GO, were fabricated using electrospinning. The morphological, structural, and chemical properties of the scaffolds were systematically evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, while mechanical performance was assessed through tensile testing. Surface wettability was analyzed by water contact angle measurements, and in vitro degradation behavior was monitored over 56 days in phosphate-buffered saline to assess mass loss and pH stability. Cytocompatibility was investigated by culturing PC12 neuronal cells on the scaffolds to evaluate cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of GO significantly improved fiber alignment, interfacial uniformity, and mechanical strength, while reducing fiber diameter and enhancing porosity when combined with lower Salvia content. Among the tested formulations, PCL-10Salvia-2GO exhibited the highest tensile strength and Young’s modulus without compromising flexibility, alongside controlled degradation kinetics and maintenance of physiological pH. In vitro assays further confirmed that this scaffold promoted neuronal cell viability, extensive adhesion, and neurite-like extensions, indicating the establishment of a neuroinductive microenvironment. These findings highlight that the synergistic incorporation of bioactive Salvia phytochemicals and functional GO within PCL scaffolds effectively enhances mechanical integrity, structural uniformity, degradation behavior, and cytocompatibility. Consequently, PCL-10Salvia-2GO represents a promising multifunctional scaffold for neural tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, warranting further investigation in preclinical models to establish its translational potential. © Jilin University 2026.