Abstract

Current clinical demands urgently require novel scaffolds with multifunctional capabilities that provide mechanical support to maintain tissue integrity while promoting cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, a hybrid bilayer scaffold was developed by combining freeze-drying and electrospinning techniques to mimic the gradient characteristics of native tissues. In the bilayer scaffold, a hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC)/agarose sponge reinforced with short silk fibers served as the bottom layer, while the upper layer consisted of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) electrospun fibers containing astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and L-arginine (L-Arg). The incorporation of short silk fibers decreased porosity and swelling ratio but improved the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, reduced the degradation rate, and imparted a favorable shape-recovery effect. The bilayer scaffolds exhibited excellent water and blood absorption capabilities. Moreover, they demonstrated good hemocompatibility, a low blood clotting index, shape-recovery behavior, and high antioxidant activity. In vitro studies showed that the bilayer scaffolds promoted cell proliferation, attachment, and spreading compared to single porous sponges or bilayer scaffolds without APS and L-Arg. Additionally, the bilayer scaffolds displayed good antibacterial activity. Graphical The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.