Electrospun fibers: a guiding scaffold for research and regeneration of the spinal cord

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.194719 · Published: November 1, 2016

Simple Explanation

Electrospun fibrous scaffolds are a material approach to overcoming the barrier of nerve guidance. Electrospinning is a method of generating fibers with diameters on the order of nanometers to micrometers. The geometric properties of electrospun fibers are easily tuned, and there exists a significant body of literature focusing on the optimal properties of a fibrous scaffold for robust neurite growth. In general, neurite extension is greater on aligned electrospun fibers than on randomly aligned fibers, and neurite extension is greater on fibers with micrometer diameters compared to neurite extension on fibers with a nanoscale fiber diameter.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Aligned electrospun fibers lead to neurite extension along the length of the aligned fibers, a finding repeated in vivo where axons grew into the injured region on aligned fibrous scaffolds.
2
Axonal guidance is better on micrometer diameter fibers compared to nanometer diameter fibers.
3
Astrocytes cultured on electrospun fibers express GLT-1, suggesting a favorable interaction between glia and fibrous scaffolds.

Research Summary

Electrospun fibers offer a promising material-based strategy for guiding nerve regeneration in spinal cord injuries by addressing physical and chemical barriers. The versatility of electrospinning allows for the incorporation of drugs or proteins to enhance neurite extension and mitigate glial scar formation, offering potential for comprehensive SCI treatment. Growing evidence suggests that electrospun fibers are useful not only for nerve regeneration applications but also for fundamental neuroscience research, particularly in studying glial interactions.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

Electrospun fibers, particularly when aligned and of micrometer diameter, can guide and promote neurite extension in spinal cord injuries.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Electrospinning enables the localized delivery of drugs and proteins to mitigate glial scar formation and promote nerve growth, improving treatment efficacy.

Basic Neuroscience Research

Electrospun fibers provide a valuable tool for in vitro studies of glial interactions and myelination, contributing to a deeper understanding of neural processes.

Study Limitations

1
Hydrophobicity of PLA and PCL requires surface modification for improved cell adhesion.
2
Need for studies showing electrospun fibers can release agents that mitigate the glial scar and inflammation.
3
Limited attention on how other cell types interact with the fibrous scaffolds.

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