Conjugate Electrospinning of Multicomponent Nanofiber Yarns: Integrating Mechanical Resilience and Cellular Guidance
Abstract
This study developed mechanically reinforced and bioactive multicomponent nanofiber yarns (MNYs) via conjugate electrospinning for use in textile-structured scaffolds. The yarn exhibits a partitioned structure that integrates a PLLA phase loaded with 1% Cur@ZIF-8 for mechanical support and controlled functional release with an SA-PVA phase to enhance biocompatibility. The resulting MNYs showed a maximum reduction in fiber diameter of approximately 43% compared with pure PLLA yarn, providing a favorable topographic environment for cell growth and proliferation. Meanwhile, the breaking load increased by about 11% relative to commercial PLLA yarn, meeting the strength requirements for biomedical textile applications. Biological evaluations demonstrated integrated functionality: the DPPH radical scavenging rate of 72.0% ± 5.0%; the system achieved sustained curcumin release over 15 days while effectively suppressing the initial burst effect; high antibacterial activity (>90% inhibition against E. coli and >98% against S. aureus); and good cytocompatibility supported by promoted adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The developed MNYs thus combine mechanical robustness, controlled drug release, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and excellent biocompatibility, offering a promising foundational material for constructing high-performance textile-structured scaffolds in tissue engineering.