Development of oriented nanofibrous silk guide for repair of nerve defects

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to produce a nanofibrous biodegradable silk nerve substrate. The woven and oriented artificial scaffolds were designed by electrospinning method, and were evaluated by microscopic, mechanical analyses, and cell culture assays with Schwann cells. Results of analyses were showed a good resilience and compliance with movement as a neural graft. Cellular experiments showed a better cell adhesion and growth on the oriented nanofibrous scaffolds compared to woven nanofiber ones. This neural conduit appears to have the right organization for testing in vivo nerve tissue engineering studies.