The application of nanofibrous scaffolds in neural tissue engineering

The repairing process in the nervous system is complicated and brings great challenges to researchers. Tissue engineering scaffolds provide an alternative approach for neural regeneration. Sub-micron and nano-scale fibrous scaffolds which mimic the topography of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) can be potential scaffold candidates for neural tissue engineering. Two fiber-fabrication methods have been explored in the field of nerve regeneration: electrospinning and self-assembly. Electrospinning produces fibers with diameters ranging from several micrometers to hundreds of nanometers. The fibrous nerve conduits can be introduced at lesion sites by implantation. Self-assembly fibers have diameters of tens of nanometers and can be injected for central nervous system (CNS) injury repair. Both fibrous scaffolds would enhance neurite extension and axon regrowth. These functional nanofibrous scaffolds can serve as powerful tools for neural tissue engineering. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.