Development and characterization of Adeno-associated virus-loaded
coaxial electrospun scaffolds for potential viral vector delivery
Abstract
Gene therapy, which treats genetic diseases by fixing defective genes,
has gained significant attention. Viral vectors show great potential for
gene delivery but face limitations like low transduction efficiency and
poor targeting. Loading viral vectors onto tissue engineered scaffolds
presents a promising strategy to address these challenges, but their
widespread application remains limited by challenges like vector
stability, biomaterial selection, and high manufacturing costs.
Adeno-associated virus (AAV), recognized for its safety, high
efficiency, and low immunogenicity, was employed as a model virus. In
this study, AAV was encapsulated within electrospun fibers
(AAV/PCL-PEO@Co-ES) composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene
oxide (PEO) via coaxial electrospinning, ensuring effective AAV
protection and controlled release. The physicochemical characterization
results indicated that the scaffold exhibited excellent mechanical
properties (tensile strength: 3.22 ± 0.48 MPa) and wettability (WCA:
67.90 ± 8.45°). In vitro release and cell transduction assays
demonstrated that the AAV-loaded scaffold effectively control viral
vector release and transduction. Furthermore, the in vitro cell
and in vivo animal experiments suggested that the AAV-loaded
scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility and efficient viral vector
delivery capability. Hence, our research not only enhances the storage
and delivery of viral vectors but also provides innovative solutions for
viral vector delivery strategies.