Evaluation of Aggrecan as a Physicochemical Modulator and Preliminary Biological Response in an Electrospun PLA/Collagen Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Applications

Polylactic acid (PLA) has potential for electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds, but its hydrophobicity limits its application. Combining collagen (Col) with PLA improves hydrophilicity, although structural stability remains challenging. Aggrecan (ACAN) may modulate scaffold properties, preserve its fibrous architecture, and enhance the cellular microenvironment. We evaluated ACAN’s influence on the physicochemical properties and preliminary biological effects of electrospun PLA-Col scaffolds. Three formulations were analyzed: PLA, PLA-Col, and PLA-Col-ACAN. PLA and Col were electrospun, followed by ACAN adsorption. Scaffold composition was confirmed by ATR-FTIR. Fiber diameter and porosity profiles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophilic profile was determined by contact angle assay, early-stage water uptake, and water absorption. Stability in an aqueous medium was evaluated by in vitro degradation. Biological effects were assessed by resazurin reduction in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) and observed interactions by SEM. ACAN incorporation was confirmed without altering the fibrous architecture. PLA-Col-ACAN scaffolds showed a smaller water contact angle (18.03 ± 0.65°), time-dependent hydration, and reduced degradation (9.1 ± 8.46% at day 65). HDFa decreased their metabolic activity, adhered with a spheroidal morphology, and showed more surface-deposited material after ACAN incorporation, covering 68.18 ± 1% of the scaffold area. Overall, ACAN modulated PLA-Col scaffold properties while preserving structural integrity.