Multifunctional micropatterned nanofiber scaffolds capable of cell patterning, metabolite detection, and growth factor delivery

This study describes the development of multifunctional micropatterned nanofiber scaffolds consisting of multiple layers of nanofiber. We fabricated double-layered nanofiber scaffolds that were micropatterned with PEG hydrogels by combining two-step sequential electrospinning and hydrogel lithography. We successfully demonstrated that the upper layer could be used to create micropatterns of HepG2 spheroids with uniform size, while the bottom layer could be used for in situ detection of albumin secreted by HepG2 spheroids in the upper layer. Finally, we immobilized growth factors and showed possibility of controlled release of growth factors from micropatterned nanofiber scaffolds.