Regulating Electrical Cue and Mechanotransduction in Topological Gradient Structure Modulated Piezoelectric Scaffolds to Predict Neural Cell Response

Abstract Neural cells respond to topographical cues with alterations in cell growth and neurite sprouting mediated by changes in cell behavior. The interaction of fiber topography with cell adhesion receptors affects how the cells adhere to the surface of fibers and defines cell fate through alterations in the biochemistry, physiology, and morphology of neural cells. Although previous studies suggest topographical features influence neural cell proliferation and neurite sprouting, only a few studies have attempted to assess the use of both electrical and topological cues in piezoelectric scaffolds for nerve regeneration. In this study, variations in the shape‐modified collectors enable tunable surface topographic constructs, from micropatterns to fiber bundle structure. The crystallinity, chemical composition, and quantitative analysis confirm that the interplay between the topological structures of the fibers and the blending of nanocomposite materials is critical for the formation of the β‐phase. It is found that the topographical features and induced electrical characteristics affect cell growth. Also, the intracellular signaling pathway is induced that can provide clues as to how neural cells respond to the topological gradient structure modulated piezoelectric scaffolds. An analysis of the neuron‐specific cytoskeletal related markers further reveals that the specific topographical features piezoelectric fibrous scaffold reinforces neuron‐specific cytoskeletal proteins and microtubule assembly.