Epidermal Growth Factor-Releasing Radially Aligned Electrospun Nanofibrous Patches for the Regeneration of Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforations

Abstract

Chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations can cause otorrhea. To date, various types of tissue engineering techniques have been applied for the regeneration of chronic TM perforations. However, the application of nanofibers with radially aligned nanostructures and the simultaneous release of growth factors have never been applied in the regeneration of chronic TM perforations. Here, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-releasing radially aligned nanofibrous patches (ERA-NFPs) are developed and applied for the regeneration of chronic perforated TMs. First, radial alignments and the presence of EGF in the ERA-NFPs are analyzed. EGF is confirmed to be released from the ERA-NFPs until 8 weeks. In an in vitro study, cell viability assay, immunocytochemistry, and wound-healing assay indicate rational enhancement of healing by the combination of radial alignments and EGF release. The effect of ERA-NFPs on TM cells is revealed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. An in vivo animal study shows that the ERA-NFPs effectively stimulates the healing of the chronic TM perforations. The TMs healed by ERA-NFPs show histological properties similar to those of normal TMs. These results indicate that ERA-NFPs may be an efficient platform for the regeneration of chronic TM perforations, laying the foundation for nonsurgical treatments of chronic otitis media.