Combined effects of electrospun nanofibrous scaffold and electrical field on the neuronal outgrowth

Directed outgrowth and accelerated elongation are crucial for the neuronal regeneration and repair. Here we evaluated combined effects of nanofibrous scaffold and electrical field on the neuronal outgrowth. Aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers provided a strong guidance cue for the neurite orientation, and the electrical field stimulation promoted the elongation and orientation of neurites. When two cues were applied simultaneously, neurite orientation was along the aligned fiber dominantly and neurite elongation was accelerated no matter the electrical field direction was parallel or vertical to the aligned fiber, indicating the synergistic effect of aligned nanofibrous scaffolds and electrical field. All the results suggested that combined application of physical contact guidance and electrical field have great prospects in the regeneration and repair of nerve system.