Decoration of PLGA electrospun nanofibers with designer self-assembling peptides: A "nano-on-Nano" concept

Peripheral nerve injuries have several clinical implications and immense potential for exploring the strategies for repair and regeneration of the nerve. Electrospun nanofibers are attractive candidates for neural regeneration applications due to ease of controlling their physico-chemical properties and their structural similarity to the extra-cellular matrix. Self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffolds (SAPNFs) like RADA16, designer SAPs with functional motifs RADA16-I-BMHP1 have shown promise in spinal cord regeneration. In this study, we have developed a novel hybrid scaffold made of PLGA electrospun nanofibers decorated with RADA16-I-BMHP1 SAPs to provide both the topographical cues and biorecognition motifs. The scaffolds were characterized for the presence of peptides both qualitatively and quantitatively. The Schwann cell adhesion, proliferation and gene expression levels on the scaffolds were evaluated and the results demonstrated significant effects of the peptide coated PLGA scaffolds over the PLGA scaffolds on promoting Schwann cell proliferation and gene expression levels. Hence, our results demonstrate that the designed hybrid scaffold can be employed as a potential scaffold for peripheral nerve tissue engineering.