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Development and characterization of Adeno-associated virus-loaded coaxial electrospun scaffolds for potential viral vector delivery
  • +7
  • Haiguang Zhang,
  • Bing Zhou,
  • Wei Dong,
  • Yongteng Song,
  • Qingxi Hu,
  • Heng Zhang,
  • Min Yu,
  • Guanglang Zhu,
  • Yudong Sun,
  • Jiaxuan Feng
Haiguang Zhang
Shanghai University School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation

Corresponding Author:haiguang_zhang@i.shu.edu.cn

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Bing Zhou
Shanghai University School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation
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Wei Dong
Nanjing University
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Yongteng Song
Shanghai University School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation
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Qingxi Hu
Shanghai University School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation
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Heng Zhang
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital
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Min Yu
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital
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Guanglang Zhu
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital
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Yudong Sun
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital
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Jiaxuan Feng
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital
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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.