Conductive Composite Fiber with Optimized Alignment Guides Neural Regeneration under Electrical Stimulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Scaffold conductivity and alignment are crucial for effective nerve repair.
• Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer potential for conductive nerve regeneration scaffolds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop conductive composite fibers with controlled alignment for enhanced neural regeneration.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of aligned topography and electrical stimulation on nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of PCL/CNTs composite fibers at varying rotational speeds (0-2000 rpm) to control fiber alignment.
• Characterization of fiber structure, contact angle, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity.
• In vitro evaluation of neural cell growth and in vivo assessment of sciatic nerve regeneration.

Main Results:

• Optimized rotational speed (1000 rpm) yielded aligned PCL fibers with improved structural and mechanical properties.
• Incorporation of CNTs significantly increased electrical conductivity (15.69-178.63 S m⁻¹).
• Aligned conductive PCL/CNTs fibers demonstrated robust cell induction, improved nerve function index, and enhanced axonal regeneration in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Conductive PCL/CNTs composite fibers with optimized alignment show promise for nerve repair.
• The combination of aligned topography and electrical conductivity synergistically promotes neural regeneration.
• These findings support the use of aligned conductive scaffolds in strategies for neural repair.