Effects of electrospun fiber diameter on astrocyte morphology and reactivity

Abstract

A variety of bioengineered scaffolds have previously been fabricated and tested for CNS regeneration following injury. Recent study has examined the effect of these scaffolds on the behavior of astrocytes, demonstrating a link between material topography and astrocyte physiology. In the present study, electrospun fiber scaffolds were fabricated with varying topographical characteristics. Astrocytes were cultured onto these scaffolds in order to examine the effect of fiber diameter and density on cell properties. Fluorescence microscopy showed that scaffolds consisting of larger-diameter, sparser fibers were found to increase aligned elongation and decrease CSPG expression in cultured astrocytes relative to other scaffolds. These results show a clear link between material topography and neuroprotective astrocyte functions. Furthermore, they indicate critical design criteria for repair scaffolds in the post-injury CNS.