3D structured self-powered PVDF/PCL scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration

Piezoelectric materials providing in situ electrical stimulation (ES) without applying an external chemical or physical supporting open new frontiers for future bioelectric therapies. As a “smart” material which can promote cell differentiation and proliferation due to instantaneous ES, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) holds great promise in tissue engineering. In this study, a porous PVDF/polycaprolactone (PCL) composite nerve tissue engineering scaffold was manufactured by a simple cast/annealing-solvent displacement method. It was found that the blend of PCL with PVDF could simultaneously improve mechanical properties, biocompatibility, as well as biodegradation. When Rat Schwann cells (RSCs) are cultured on top of the scaffolds, the electromechanical interactions stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. After being implanted into the 15-mm defect rat sciatic nerve model for 4 months, the PVDF/PCL group exhibits significant electrophysiological, morphological and functional nerve restoration. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of an effective and user-friendly piezoelectric scaffold for peripheral nerve regeneration due to its inherent electroactivity and favorable biocompatibility.