Tissue engineering scaffolds fabricated from biocompatible polymers present a promising strategy for peripheral nerve repair. In this context, electrical stimulation has emerged as a key factor in accelerating cell proliferation, particularly for Schwann cells (SCs), which play a central role in axonal regeneration and remyelination. To achieve effective electrostimulation, the scaffold must exhibit sufficient electrical conductivity. This study reports the development of a biomimetic scaffold based on electrospun polyacrylonitrile/polyaniline (PAN/PANI) nanofibers doped with nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs). The incorporation of Ni NPs significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity of the composite material—6.4-fold higher than that of pristine PAN/PANI. Despite similar baseline proliferation rates in the absence of stimulation, the PAN/PANI/Ni scaffold promoted a 2.1-fold increase in SC proliferation when subjected to daily electrostimulation at 100 mV cm⁻¹ over five days. This result underscores the critical importance of maximizing electrical conductivity in tissue engineering scaffolds to optimize bioelectrical cues for nerve regeneration. The modified scaffold also maintained excellent biocompatibility, appropriate tensile strength, and superhydrophilic surface properties conducive to cell adhesion.Fast Myosin Skeletal Heavy chain Antibody Technical Information Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform distribution of Ni NPs within the nanofiber matrix and revealed enhanced cellular attachment and spreading under stimulation.Vinculin Antibody In Vitro Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed successful integration of PANI and Ni NPs without altering the polymer backbone structure.PMID:34021034 Tensile testing showed mechanical integrity comparable to decellularized rat nerves, indicating suitability for use in dynamic biological environments. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays using MTT and CCK-8 demonstrated no adverse effects on SC viability. These findings validate the feasibility of using Ni NP-doped PAN/PANI nanofibers as an advanced conductive scaffold for nerve tissue engineering. The method described here offers a simple, scalable approach to tune the electrical properties of polymeric materials through nanoparticle doping, paving the way for broader applications in regenerative medicine.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
