ECM-Mimetic Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Stimulation of Dorsal Root Ganglia Axon Guidance and Schwann Cell Maturation

The high prevalence of peripheral nerve injuries underscores the importance of finding materials capable of accelerating nerve tissue regeneration. Anisotropic fibrous nanomaterials produced by electrospinning are promising elements for the development of artificial nerve conduits (ANCs), as oriented nanofibers can mimic the nanoscale components (<100 nm) of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus enhance the regenerative process by directing the growth of nerve fibers. In this study, we investigated the effect of the nanostructure of scaffolds made of highly oriented nylon fibers with diameters of 60 and 200 nm on the growth of nerve tissue cells (Schwann cells (SCs) and neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG)). It was shown that such nanoscale fibers can regulate the morphology of SCs and DRG axons by orchestrating cytoskeletal reorganization and initiating cell process growth. Anisotropic fibrous scaffolds guiding SC growth facilitate the formation of structures mimicking Büngner's bands, which promote accelerated axon growth in an ex vivo co-culture model. For the first time, the influence of the topology of the artificial matrix on the aging of SC cultures in vitro was examined. The best regenerative potential was demonstrated by substrates made of a composite two-layer material, combining the advantages of nano- and sub-micron fibers. The composite material may be promising for use as a filler for ANCs and as a matrix for creating a preseeded tissue-engineered construct with donor SCs.