Understanding the cellular responses based on low-density electrospun fiber networks

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Electrospun fibers create scaffolds mimicking the extracellular matrix.
• Cellular response to nanofiber density in biomimetic scaffolds requires further understanding.
• Nanofiber mats can present topological cues similar to solid surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying electrospun nanofiber densities on cellular responses.
• To identify an optimal nanofiber density for enhanced cell-scaffold interactions.
• To elucidate the relationship between fiber network density and cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber networks with four distinct densities (D1-D4) were fabricated using electrospinning.
• Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPSC-MSCs) were cultured on the PCL scaffolds.
• Cell attachment, spreading, actin polymerization, contractility, migration, YAP signaling, proliferation, and collagen synthesis were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Moderate nanofiber density (D2) significantly improved hiPSC-MSC attachment, spreading, actin polymerization, contractility, and migration.
• The D2 group exhibited increased nuclear YAP localization, enhanced YAP-responsive gene transcription, proliferation, and collagen synthesis.
• Higher fiber densities (D3, D4) showed diminished positive effects on cellular responses compared to D2.

Conclusions:

• Nanofiber density is a critical factor influencing cellular behavior on electrospun scaffolds.
• A moderate fiber density (D2) optimizes cell-scaffold interactions, promoting key regenerative processes.
• Precise design of fibrous scaffolds based on fiber density can enhance tissue regeneration.