The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Severe volumetric loss of skeletal muscle results in limited regeneration and incomplete functional recovery. To address this, we developed a scaffold mimicking the native muscle structure by integrating magnetically responsive polycaprolactone (PCL) fibrils into a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel. Electrospun PCL fibers containing iron oxide nanoparticles were aligned under an external magnetic field after embedded in the hydrogel, forming an anisotropic structure. We evaluated the effects of fiber concentration and alignment on mechanical properties, cell viability, and myogenic differentiation. Aligned fiber incorporation enhanced the hydrogel’s mechanical strength and promoted cell elongation and orientation along the fiber direction. Additionally, increased MyoD expression indicate improved early myogenic differentiation. These findings demonstrate the potential of this magnetically guided anisotropic hydrogel as a scaffold for skeletal muscle regeneration.