Preliminary study of degradation of a pNaSS-grafted PCL scaffold in synthetic media: a potential candidate patch for early intrauterine cover-age of myelomeningoceles

We present an electrospun polycaprolactone membrane engrafted with bioactive polymers (pNaSS), designed as a candidate patch for intrauterine coverage of fetal myelomeningoceles, early in pregnancy. The biodegradation of the patch was studied over 90 days in different media (0.15 M NaCl, 1.5 M NaCl solution, PBS and 2% urea), approaching the composition of amniotic fluid. The stability of the electrospun membranes and of the polymer grafting was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, colorimetry and permeability test. The results show a degradation of the membrane after 90 days in 0.15 M NaCl solution in terms of morphology but in terms of grafting a decrease of grafting degree was shown in urea solution. Despite morphology and grafting degree analysis showed a beginning of degradation after 90 days in different media, the membrane remained watertight at 90 days with all media. This preliminary study shows the structural integrity of the membranes and stability of the grafting onto PCL scaffolds.