Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tissue repair is a multifaceted process involving several components, including cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis. In the process of peripheral nerve repair, the migration of SCs play a pivotal role. By migrating to form cell bridges and secreting neurotrophic factors, SCs provide essential nutrients and topographical cues for axon extension. As axons continue to extend and form myelin sheaths under the guidance of SCs, the recovery of peripheral nerve function is promoted. 
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) aligned nanofibers with topologically deposited ECd particles on the behavior of SCs.
METHODS: The collected HUVECs conditioned medium was subjected to freeze-drying using low temperature lyophilization to obtain functionalized ECd, which was then assayed for VEGF and protein content. PCL aligned nanofibers undeposited and deposited with ECd particles were prepared using electrospinning and electrospray techniques. The morphology and hydrophilicity of the nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle measurement. The optimal deposition time of ECd was determined by evaluating the proliferation and morphology of HUVECs and SCs. Based on these findings, PCL aligned nanofibers with uniform and unidirectional linear gradient deposition of ECd particles were constructed and inoculated with SCs. SCs activity was detected by CCK-8 kit, and fluorescence staining was used to observe SCs morphology and directional migration.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Following the culturing of HUVECs at a specified density, the cell culture medium was subjected to centrifugation, resulting in the isolation of ECd through freeze-drying. The analysis of the kit revealed the presence of VEGF and protein in ECd; (2) Characterization experiments showed that the PCL fibers had a well aligned structure, and the fiber diameter was 700±150 nm. After plasma treatment, the PCL aligned nanofibers were superhydrophilic; (3) ECd was uniformly deposited on the surface of the fibers in the form of particles, which not only did not affect the oriented structure of PCL nanofibers, but at the same time could provide contact induction for cells in a raised manner; (4) CCK-8 assay showed that PCL aligned nanofibers deposited with ECd particles for 10 min significantly promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and SCs; (5) Immunofluorescence staining showed that HUVECs, SCs grew along the oriented structure of the fibers compared to controls; (6) The results showed that PCL aligned nanofibers with unidirectional linear gradient deposition of ECd particles did not reduce the activity of SCs and were able to promote the directional migration of SCs compared to the other groups.

Key words: Electrospinning, Electrospray, Endothelial cell derived matrix, SCs, Cell migration