Promoting the Outgrowth of Neurites on Electrospun Microfibers by Functionalization with Electrosprayed Microparticles of Fatty Acids

Controlling the outgrowth of neurites is important for enhancing the repair of injured nerves and understanding the development of nervous systems. Here we report a simple strategy for enhancing the outgrowth of neurites through a unique integration of topographical guidance and chemical cue. We use electrospray to easily functionalize the surface of a substrate with microparticles of natural fatty acids at a controllable density. Through a synergistic effect from the surface roughness arising from the microparticles and the chemical cue offered by the fatty acids, the outgrowth of neurites from PC12 cells is greatly enhanced. We also functionalize the surfaces of uniaxially aligned, electrospun microfibers with the microparticles and further demonstrate that the substrates can guide and enhance directional outgrowth of neurites from both PC12 multicellular spheroids and chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia bodies. On the aligned microfibers decorated with an optimal density of the microparticles, the outgrowth of neurites is maximized. This work offers a simple and practical system to design substrates for controlling neurite outgrowth, holding promise for applications in enhancing neural tissue regeneration and understanding neuronal development.

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