Abstract
Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are a promising treatment for immature teeth with pulpal necrosis. However, the outcomes remain unpredictable, partly due to scaffold limitations. Beta-glucan (BG), a bioactive polysaccharide with regenerative properties, may enhance scaffold performance. This study aimed to fabricate BG-coated polyvinylpyrrolidone/cellulose acetate (PVP/CA) electrospun scaffolds and evaluate their physicochemical properties and cell attachment. Electrospun scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning a 10% w/v PVP/CA (70:30) solution in acetone and N,N-dimethylacetamide (2:1) (PC). BG (8% w/v in 1 M NaOH) was electrosprayed onto the scaffold at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL volumes, generating PC-BG01, PC-BG02, and PC-BG04, respectively. Scaffold characterization included SEM, FTIR, BG enzymatic assay, water absorbance, degradation, and cell adhesion assays. SEM images of the scaffolds exhibited smooth cylindrical fibers (547.3-585.9 nm diameter) with high porosity (42.37-49.91%). BG particles were confirmed by elemental analysis and BG enzymatic assay. At 28 days, the PC group showed significant fiber diameter and porosity reduction. BG particle degradation was observed at 14 and 28 days. Notably, BG-coated scaffolds significantly enhanced initial apical papilla cell adhesion at 1 and 24 h. These findings highlight the potential of BG-coated scaffolds as bioactive scaffolds for REPs.