The effects of nanofiber topography on astrocyte behavior and gene silencing efficiency

Astrocyte-nanofiber interactions are studied by culturing primary rat cortical astrocytes on poly[caprolactone-co-(ethyl ethylene phosphate)] electrospun nanofibers and solvent-cast films (two-dimensional control). The results indicate that nanofiber topography significantly suppresses astrocyte proliferation and enhances apoptosis, without altering cellular activation as compared to films. Moreover, nanofiber topography enhances gene-silencing efficiency in astrocytes. The results suggest that nanofibers may serve as potential substrates for nerve regeneration by suppressing astrocyte growth and may further facilitate the use of gene-silencing to enhance CNS regeneration.