Composite chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) electrospun nanofibrous mats as novel wound dressing matrixes for the controlled release of drugs

The aim of this study was to develop novel biomedical electrospun nanofiber mats for controlled drug release, in particular to release a drug directly to an injury site to accelerate wound healing. Here, nanofibers of chitosan (CS), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and a 90 : 10 composite blend, loaded with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) or moxifloxacin hydrochloride (Moxi), were successfully prepared by an electrospinning technique. The morphology of the electrospun nanofibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The functional groups of the electrospun nanofibers before and after crosslinking were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction results indicated an amorphous distribution of the drug inside the nanofiber blend. In vitro drug‐release evaluations showed that the crosslinking could control the rate and period of drug release in wound‐healing applications. The inhibition of bacterial growth for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were achieved on the CipHCl‐ and Moxi‐loaded nanofibers. In addition, both types of CS/PEO and drug‐containing CS/PEO nanofibers showed excellent cytocompatibility in the cytotoxicity assays. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42060.     

Electrospun nonwovens of shape‐memory polyurethane block copolymers

Synthesized shape‐memory polyurethane (PU) block copolymers were used to prepare electrospun nonwovens via electrospinning. PU solutions were prepared with a mixed solvent of N,N‐dimethylformamide and tetrahydrofuran. The electrospun PU nonwovens were prepared with hard‐segment concentrations of 40 and 50 wt %. The morphology of the electrospun fibers was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The average diameter of low‐viscosity (ca. 130–180 cPs) electrospun fibers was about 800 nm, and the morphology of the electrospun nonwovens was beaded‐on fibers. In contrast, the average diameter of high‐viscosity (ca. 530–570 cPs) electrospun fibers was about 1300 nm. In an investigation of the mechanical properties of the electrospun PU nonwovens, it was found that the tensile strength increased as the hard‐segment concentration increased within a similar range of viscosities. Also, the tensile strength of the electrospun PU nonwovens in the machine direction was higher than that in the transverse direction because of a difference in the velocities of the drum collectors. The electrospun PU nonwovens with hard‐segment concentrations of 40 and 50 wt % were found to have a shape recovery of more than 80%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 460–465, 2005     

Polyurethane electrospun mats strengthened and toughened by physically blended polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

In this work, polyfunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with glycidyl ether groups was physically blended with end‐capped polyurethane (PU) to improve the mechanical strength of PU electrospun mats. It was found that not only the tensile strength was elevated, but also the elongation‐at‐break was greatly improved. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results suggested that no chemical reaction happened, and there was no hydrogen bonding between POSS and PU, but the mobility of the PU chains was restricted. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that POSS aggregated inside the PU electrospun fibers. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed apparent die‐swelling, indicating that the elasticity of PU chains was enhanced. This was always the result of strengthened chain–chain interactions. From the experimental observations, it was speculated that a physical polymer–particle network was established through attachment of PU chains onto the POSS nanoparticles and embedment of PU chains inside the POSS aggregates, which results in the simultaneous improvements in strength and extensibility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40902.     

Benign route for the modification and characterization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds for medicinal application

Scaffolds fabricated from polymers have imprinted its wide applicability in the field of tissue engineering. The surface of electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers was modified to improve their compatibility with living medium. PLA film were treated with alkali solution to introduce carboxyl groups on the surface followed by covalent grafting of gelatin using Xtal Fluoro‐E as coupling agent. The gelatin g‐PLA polymer synthesized via ‘graft‐onto’ method exhibit fascinating properties as studied by contact angle measurement, fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, water vapor transmission rate(WVTR), swelling studies and differential scanning calorimetry. The fabricated gelatin g‐PLA scaffolds were further characterized to conduct the study on hydrolytic degradation, and extent of biodegradation at ambient temperature. It was observed from the in‐vitro analysis that the gelatin g‐PLA nanofiber (with hemolytic percentage, 0.56 ± 0.13%) was cytocompatible with fibroblast cell and does not impair cell growth. The WVTR obtained for the electrospun mat around 2900 ± 100 g/m². 24 h signifies the optimal moist environment required for tissue engineering especially wound healing. Notably, many of these strategies resulted in porous hydrophilic scaffolds with human cell growth and proliferation for medical applications of various types. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46056.     

Preparation and characterization of porous scaffold composite films by blending chitosan and gelatin solutions for skin tissue engineering

Biodegradable polymers have significant potential in biotechnology and bioengineering. However, for some applications, they are limited by their inferior mechanical properties and unsatisfactory compatibility with cells and tissues. In the present investigation blends of chitosan and gelatin with various compositions were produced as candidate materials for biomedical applications. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis showed good compatibility between these two biodegradable polymers. The composite films showed improved tensile properties, highly porous structure, antimicrobial activities, low water dissolution, low water uptake and high buffer uptake compared to pure chitosan or gelatin films. These enhanced properties could be explained by the introduction of free ? OH, ? NH₂ and ? NHOCOCH₃ groups of the amorphous chitosan in the blends and a network structure through electrostatic interactions between the ammonium ions (? NH³⁺) of the chitosan and the carboxylate ions (? COO^?) of the gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy images of the blend composite films showed homogeneous and smooth surfaces which indicate good miscibility between gelatin and chitosan. The leafy morphologies of the scaffolds indicate a large and homogeneous porous structure, which would cause increased ion diffusion into the gel that could lead to an increase in stability in aqueous solution, buffer and temperature compared to the gelatin/chitosan system. In vivo testing was done in a Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) model and the healing efficiencies of the scaffolds containing various compositions of chitosan were measured. The healing efficiencies in Wistar rat of composites with gelatin to chitosan ratios of 10:3 and 10:4 were compared with that of a commercially available scaffold (Eco‐plast). It was observed that, after 5 days of application, the scaffold with a gelatin to chitosan ratio of 10:3 showed 100% healing in the Wistar rat; however, the commercial Eco‐plast showed only a little above 40% healing of the dissected rat wound. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Silver Loaded Nanofibrous Curdlan Mat for Diabetic Wound Healing: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

A fibrous scaffold of curdlan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend is prepared by electrospinning technique and antimicrobial property is imparted to it by the addition of silver nitrate (1, 3, and 5 wt%). All the scaffolds except the PVA/curdlan with 5 wt% AgNO₃ show good viability of Swiss 3T3 fibroblast cells. Significant reductions in the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are also observed in all the scaffolds. In vitro scratch assay and cell adhesion studies indicate that the scaffold containing 1% AgNO₃ shows significant wound healing and better cell spreading. The in vivo results also show faster healing of excision wounds in diabetic rats treated with the same material when compared to the control and the commercial sample. Furthermore, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulation of anti‐inflammatory cytokines on the skin of the treated animals confirm that PVA/curdlan/1% AgNO₃ electrospun mat could be a promising material for diabetic wound healing.     

Preparation and characterization of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone)–pluronic–poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based polyurethane nanofibers

In this study, amphiphilic poly(ε‐caprolactone)–pluronic–poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL–pluronic–PCL, PCFC) copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening copolymerization and then reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to form polyurethane (PU) copolymers. The molecular weight of the PU copolymers was measured by gel permeation chromatography, and the chemical structure was analyzed by ¹H‐nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Then, the PU copolymers were processed into fibrous scaffolds by the electrospinning technology. The morphology, surface wettability, mechanical strength, and cytotoxicity of the obtained PU fibrous mats were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle analysis, tensile test, and MTT analysis. The results show that the molecular weights of PCFC and PU copolymers significantly affected the physicochemical properties of electrospun PU nanofibers. Moreover, their good in vitro biocompatibility showed that the as‐prepared PU nanofibers have great potential for applications in tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43643.     

Fabrication and characterization of hydrophilic poly(ε‐caprolactone)/pluronic P123 electrospun fibers

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) has been widely investigated for tissue engineering applications because of its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties; however hydrophobic nature of PCL has been a colossal obstacle toward achieving scaffolds which offer satisfactory cell attachment and proliferation. To produce highly hydrophilic electrospun fibers, PCL was blended with pluronic P123 (P123) and the resulted electrospun scaffolds physiochemical characteristics such as fiber morphology, thermal behavior, crystalline structure, mechanical properties, and wettability were investigated. Moreover molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was assigned to evaluate the blended and neat PCL/water interactions. Presence of P123 at the surface of electrospun blended fibers was detected using ATR‐FTIR analysis. P123 effectiveness in improving the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds was demonstrated by water contact angel which experienced a sharp decrease from 132° corresponding to the neat PCL to almost 0° for all blended samples. Also a steady increase in water uptake ratio was observed for blended fibers as P123 content increased. The 90/10 blend ratio had the maximum tensile strength, elongation at break and crystallinity percentage. Therefore 90/10 blend ratio of PCL/P123 can balance the mechanical properties and bulk hydrophilicity of the resulted electrospun scaffold and would be a promising candidate for tissue engineering application. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43345.     

Preparation of hybrid PU/PCL fibers from steviol glycosides via electrospinning as a potential wound dressing materials

In this study, the synthesis and application of biocompatible steviol glycosides based polyurethane/poly (ε-caprolactone) (PU/PCL) fibers was performed by electrospinning as a potential wound dressing materials that can be used for the closure of nonhealing wounds. During electrospinning, steviol glycoside-based polyurethane structures were used in blend formation with poly (ε-caprolactone) for easy producibility. Steviol glycosides are a natural abundant and easily accessible source as the main component of the wound dressing material due to their free hydroxyl groups, high biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity. The structure of steviol glycosides is composed of saccharide units and the free OH groups. Thus, steviol glycosides act as a crosslinker within the polyurethane structure and provides mechanical strength. For the production of steviol glycosides based PU/PCL fibers first, the steviol glycosides as a monomer were isolated from the stevia rebudiana. Then, polyurethane structures containing stevia glycoside were synthesized with hexamethylene diisocyanate, lactose and PEG-200 by solution polymerization technique. PCL was added to the prepared polyurethanes in a ratio of 1:2 and formation of nanofiber structure. The prepared wound dressing material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Swelling degree, water content and oxygen permeability assay of the steviol glycosides based PU/PCL wound dressing material was determined. In biocompatibility test, cell viability value of PU/PCL fibrous materials in indirect cytotoxicity test was determined as 86.9% and cell adhesion on hybrid PU/PCL fibers was showed as morphological. In accordance with this target, the steviol glycosides based PU/PCL wound dressing material can be produced easily and low cost. As a result, the wound dressing materials obtained with their high biocompatibility and low costs will be an effective and fast method for the healing of open wounds of diabetics.     

In vitro degradation and drug‐release behavior of electrospun,fibrous webs of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)

Ultrafine fibrous webs of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) containing the bactericidal antibiotic drug rifampin were prepared by electrospinning, and their properties were investigated for wound‐dressing applications. Because PLGA is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, it is one of the best materials for the preparation of wound‐dressing substrates. Through this investigation of PLGA/rifampin electrospun webs, we found that the in vitro degradation reached approximately 60% in 10 days, and the drug release from the webs showed a fast and constant profile suitable for wound‐dressing applications. Also, we observed that both the web‐degradation rate and the drug‐release rate increased as the drug concentration in the PLGA/rifampin electrospun webs and the content level of glycolide units in the PLGA polymer matrix increased. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Conducting polypyrrole‐coated banana fiber composites: Preparation and characterization

In this study, conducting banana fibers (BF) were obtained through in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) on the BF surface using ferric chloride hexahydratate (FeCl₃·6H₂O) as an oxidant. Suitable reaction conditions are outlined for the polymerization of Py: oxidant/monomer molar ratio, Py concentration and polymerization time of 2/1, 0.05 mol.L⁻¹ and 30 min, respectively. Under these conditions, high‐quality conducting fibers containing polyPy and BF (PPy‐BF) were obtained with an electrical resistivity as low as 0.54 Ω.cm. The PPy‐BF was blended with different concentrations of polyurethane (PU) by mixing the two components in a vacuum chamber and then applying compression molding. The electrical resistivity of composites with 25 wt% of PPy‐BF was around 1.8 × 10⁵ Ωcm, which is approximately 10⁸ times lower than that found for pure PU. Moreover, PU/PPy‐BF composites exhibited higher mechanical properties than pure PU and PU/PPy, indicating that these conducting fibers can also be used as reinforcement for polymer matrices. The properties of the PPy‐BF obtained by the method described herein open interesting possibilities for novel applications of electrically conducting fibers, from smart sensors to new conducting fillers that can be incorporated into several polymer matrixes to develop conducting polymer composites with good mechanical properties.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Green fabrication route of robust,biodegradable silk sericin and poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous scaffolds

Silk sericin (SS) has been extensively used to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, due to its inferior mechanical properties, it has been found to be a poor choice of material when being electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, SS has been combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and electrospun to create scaffolds with enhanced physical properties. Crucially, these SS/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds were created using only distilled water as a solvent with no added crosslinker in an environmentally friendly process. Temperature has been shown to have a marked effect on the formation of the SS sol–gel transition and thus influence the final formation of fibers. Heating the spinning solutions to 70 °C delivered nanofibers with enhanced morphology, water stability and mechanical properties. This is due to the transition of SS from β‐sheets into random coils that enables enhanced molecular interactions between SS and PVA. The most applicable SS/PVA weight ratios for the formation of nanofibers with the desired properties were found to be 7.5/1.5 and 10.0/1.5. The fibers had diameters ranging from 60 to 500 nm, where higher PVA and SS concentrations promoted larger diameters. The crystallinity within the fibers could be controlled by manipulation of the balance between PVA and SS loadings. In vitro degradation (in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.4 at 37 °C) was 30–50% within 42 days and fibers were shown to be nontoxic to skin fibroblast cells. This work demonstrates a new green route for incorporating SS into nanofibrous fabrics, with potential use in biomedical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of polymeric electrospun nanofibers for application in waterproof‐breathable fabrics

This study focuses waterproof‐breathable fabric development by applying electrospun web of polyurethane (PU), PAN, and PES directly onto the substrate fabric. Advantages of textile fabrics of elastomeric nanofibrous membranes over gortex specimen are the mass production feasibility, high elastomeric properties, more body comfort parameters, and fabric production without holes and needle traces formation. In this work, we identified the PU nanofibrous membrane as the best and useful web for application in waterproof‐breathable fabrics. Air permeability, water vapor transport rate, and resistance to water penetration average value for the prepared PU fibers web (sample of S1) were about 10 ml/s, 430 g/m²/24 h, 15 cm H₂O. To improve waterproof‐breathable characteristics of the membrane, the effects of electrospinning parameters on the fibers morphology and waterproof‐breathable characteristics were investigated. PU concentration of 12% (w/w) and electrospinning voltage of 12 kV were identified as optimal conditions to reach uniform and fine PU nanofibers formation without any beads. Air permeability, water vapor transport rate, and resistance to water penetration average value for the final sample were recorded as about 2.5 ml/s, 840 g/m²/24 h, and 44 cm H₂O, correspondingly. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 56:143–149, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fabrication of LaCl3‐containing nanofiber scaffolds and their application in skin wound healing

Poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin (GE) nanofiber scaffolds with varying concentrations of lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃, from 0 to 25 mM) were fabricated by electrospinning. The scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle and porosity measurements, mechanical strength tests, and in vitro degradation studies. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell adhesion and proliferation studies were performed to assess the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, and in vivo wound healing studies were conducted to assess scaffold applications in the clinic. All prepared scaffolds were noncytotoxic, and the growth of adipose tissue–derived stem cells on LaCl₃‐containing scaffolds was better than on the pure PCL/GE scaffold. Cell proliferation studies showed the greatest cell growth in the PCL/GE/LaCl₃ scaffolds. Further, in vivo studies proved that the PCL/GE/LaCl₃ scaffolds can promote wound healing. The results suggest that nanofiber scaffolds containing LaCl₃ promote cell proliferation and have good biocompatibility, and thus potential for application in the treatment of skin wounds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46672.     

Silver nanoparticle incorporated poly(l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanofibers: Evaluation of their biocompatibility and antibacterial properties

The objective of this work is the fabrication of poly(l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) or PLGA (with LA/GA ratios of 50/50 and 75/25) nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the method of electrospinning. The incorporation of AgNPs in PLGA was carried out in three different concentrations (1, 3, 6 w/w %).The electrospun nanofibers were evaluated for their morphology by scanning electron microscopy and their fiber diameters ranged between 487 and 781 nm. Integration of AgNPs within the fibers was verified by spectroscopy studies, while the mechanical properties of the developed fibers were found comparable to the mechanical properties of the human skin. Proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity on fibers containing 1 wt % and 3 wt % of AgNPs, while 6 wt % of AgNPs inhibited cell proliferation. Antimicrobial activity was studied using three different strains of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Results of the HDF proliferation and antimicrobial studies showed that the electrospun PLGA75/25 containing 3 wt % AgNP can function as a suitable substrate for wound dressing, compared to the other scaffolds of this study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42686.     

Nano-curcumin/graphene platelets loaded on sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol fibers as potential wound dressing

Innovative composites of biopolymers and nanomaterials have been exploited to fabricate wound dressings which show functional abilities to improve different stages of wound healing by a variety of mechanisms. In this study, a polymeric nanocomposite dressing is fabricated by electrospinning of a blend of sodium alginate (SA), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and graphene nanoplatelets (Gnp). The crosslinking of the nanofibers is done by thermal treatment followed by ionic bonding of the fibers. The crosslinked fibers are loaded by curcumin, a natural potent anti-inflammatory compound, encapsulated in monomethoxy poly ethylene glycol-oleate micelles/polymersomes (NCur). Results indicate that by incorporation of Gnp and NCur into the SA/PVA scaffold the tensile strength is not changed (~7 MPa) but the elongation to break and toughness of the scaffolds significantly increase from 11.25±2.6 and 50.56 to 35.5±5.1% and 125.9 Jm^-3, respectively. The scaffolds support the controlled release of curcumin for 24 h in vitro. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds has been confirmed by cell viability assay on mouse fibroblast cells. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential applications of the spun fibers for wound dressing purposes.     

Morphology of ultrafine polysulfone fibers prepared by electrospinning

Ultrafine fibers of bisphenol‐A polysulfone (PSF) were prepared by electrospinning of PSF solutions in mixtures of N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and acetone at high voltages. The morphology of the electrospun PSF fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the concentration of polymer solutions and the acetone amount in the mixed solvents influenced the morphology and the diameter of the electrospun fibers. The processing parameters, including the applied voltage, the flow rate, and the distance between capillary and collection screen, were also important for control of the morphology of electrospun PSF fibers. It was suggested that uniform ultrafine PSF fibers with diameter of 300–400 nm could be obtained by electrospinning of a 20 % (wt/v) PSF/DMAC/acetone (DMAC:acetone = 9:1) solution at 10–20 kV voltages when the flow rate was 0.66 ml h^?1 and capillary–screen distance was 10 cm. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

In Situ Electrospinning Wound Healing Films Composed of Zein and Clove Essential Oil

Electrospun fibrous membranes have the potential to be effective wound dressings for promoting wound healing. However, the fabrication and application of the common electrospun fibrous wound dressings are usually complicated and separated. Here, electrospun zein/clove essential oil (CEO) fibrous membranes are fabricated and applied as a potential wound dressing through in situ electrospinning process by a portable electrospinning device. The in situ electrospinning process can directly electrospin zein/CEO membranes onto a wound site to cover the wound well and improve the convenience and comfort in use. The as‐spun zein/CEO membranes show a porous structure and exhibit higher gas permeability at 168.2 ± 43.3 mm s^?1, with superhydrophilicity to absorb the wound exudate and good biocompatibility as well as antibacterial effects to protect from infection. Moreover, the mice wound model study suggests that in situ electrospun zein/CEO promotes the wound healing process.     

Preparation and properties of silver‐containing nylon 6 nanofibers formed by electrospinning

Nylon 6 nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (nylon 6/silver) were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The structure and properties of the electrospun fibers were studied with the aid of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The structural analysis indicated that the fibers electrospun at maximum conditions were straight and that silver nanoparticles were distributed in the fibers. Finally, the antibacterial activities of the nylon 6/silver nanofiber mats were investigated in a broth dilution test against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram‐negative) bacteria. It was revealed that nylon 6/silver possessed excellent antibacterial properties and an inhibitory effect on the growth of S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. On the contrary, nylon 6 fibers without silver nanoparticles did not show any such antibacterial activity. Therefore, electrospun nylon 6/silver nanocomposites could be used in water filters, wound dressings, or antiadhesion membranes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Reinforcement of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffold using diopside nanopowder to promote biological and physical properties

Considerable efforts have been devoted toward the development of electrospun scaffolds based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) for bone tissue engineering. However, most of previous scaffolds have lacked the structural and mechanical strength to engineer bone tissue constructs with suitable biological functions. Here, we developed bioactive and relatively robust hybrid scaffolds composed of diopside nanopowder embedded PCL electrospun nanofibers. Incorporation of various concentrations of diopside nanopowder from 0 to 3 wt % within the PCL scaffolds notably improved tensile strength (eight‐fold) and elastic modulus (two‐fold). Moreover, the addition of diopside nanopowder significantly improved bioactivity and degradation rate compared to pure PCL scaffold which might be due to their superior hydrophilicity. We investigated the proliferation and spreading of SAOS‐II cells on electrospun scaffolds. Notably, electrospun PCL‐diopside scaffolds induced significantly enhanced cell proliferation and spreading. Overall, we concluded that PCL‐diopside scaffold could potentially be used to develop clinically relevant constructs for bone tissue engineering. However, the extended in vivo studies are essential to evaluate the role of PCL‐diopside fibrous scaffolds on the new bone growth and regeneration. Therefore, in vivo studies will be the subject of our future work. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44433.