Gelatin/nanoceria nanocomposite fibers as antioxidant scaffolds for neuronal regeneration

Background The design of efficient nerve conduits able to sustain the axonal outgrowth and its guidance towards appropriate targets is of paramount importance in nerve tissue engineering. Methods In this work, we propose the preparation of highly aligned nanocomposite fibers of gelatin/cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), prepared by electrospinning. Nanoceria are powerful self-regenerative antioxidant nanomaterials, that behave as strong reactive oxygen species scavengers, and among various beneficial effects, they have been proven to inhibit the cell senescence and to promote the neurite sprouting. Results After a detailed characterization of the developed substrates, they have been tested on neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells, demonstrating strong antioxidant properties and beneficial multi-cue effects in terms of neurite development and alignment. Conclusions Obtained findings suggest efficiency of the proposed substrates in providing combined topographical stimuli and antioxidant effects to cultured cells. General significance Proposed nanocomposite scaffolds represent a promising approach for nerve tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.