Preparation of fibrin gel scaffolds containing MWCNT/PU nanofibers for neural tissue engineering

Compared to the peripheral nervous system, in the central nervous system (CNS) disorders, neurons are less able to regenerate and reconstruct the neural tissue. Tissue engineering is considered as a promising approach for neural regeneration and restoring neurologic function after CNS injuries. Nanofibrous hydrogels have been recently used as three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. In this kind of composites, hydrogels are incorporated with fibers to enhance their poor mechanical properties. Furthermore, introducing meshes within hydrogels can result in composites associated with advantages of both components. In the present study, we have prepared 3D nanofibrous hydrogel scaffolds based on fibrin/polyurethane/multiwall carbon nanotube (fibrin/PU/MWCNT), for application as composite scaffolds for neural tissue engineering. The fabricated fibrin/PU/MWCNT hydrogel scaffolds were characterized and their ability to support cell attachment and viability was assessed in comparison with fibrin hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to examine the microstructural features of scaffolds. The rate of biodegradation and rheological properties of scaffolds were also investigated. After isolation of human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs), they were cultured into the scaffolds, then their attachment and viability were assessed through SEM analysis, MTT assay and DAPI staining. Based on the results, the viability and proliferation of hEnSCs in the fibrin/PU/MWCNT hydrogels were higher than those in fibrin hydrogels. Therefore, our novel fabricated fibrin/PU/MWCNT hydrogel is able to support cell proliferation and can be used as a scaffold to provide an appropriate microenvironment for enhancing cell viability.