Epigallocatechin gallate loaded electrospun silk fibroin scaffold with anti-angiogenic properties for corneal tissue engineering

Avascularity is the first requirement for corneal tissue engineering. The goal of this study was to develop an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded silk fibroin-based scaffold with anti-angiogenesis properties for corneal tissue engineering. Silk nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning, and treated with methanol to enhance water insolubility. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle testing, and porosimetry were used to characterize the scaffold. The suitability of the scaffold as support for limbal cells was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. In situ drug loading of EGCG into the scaffold successfully produced a homogeneous structure of nanofibers and the loaded nanofibers released the drug over 144 h in a controlled-manner. The appropriate dose of the anti-angiogenic compound to be loaded in the electrospun nanofibers was determined by MTT assay and using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The findings showed a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with the IC50 values of 43.06 ± 2.51 μM and 47.1 ± 3.46 μM after 24 and 72 h treatment, respectively. The MTT results also revealed that the prepared fibrous scaffolds containing EGCG promoted the inhibition of HUVEC during in vitro incubation. It is anticipated that the EGCG-loaded scaffold has the potential for use as a delivery system for corneal tissue engineering.