Aligned poly(p-dioxanone) electrospun fibers modulate cellular response for dura mater regeneration

Dural reconstruction, essential for protecting the central nervous system, remains challenging in cranial neurosurgery. This study discovers that the alignment of poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) electrospun fibers influences cellular behavior, thereby promoting dura mater regeneration without inducing excessive fibrosis. Electrospinning parameters were precisely optimized to fabricate PPDO fiber membranes exhibiting either isotropic or highly aligned morphologies. Quantitative analysis confirmed a clear relationship between electrospinning conditions and fiber alignment. The membranes displayed stable degradation characteristics suitable for biomedical applications. Notably, highly aligned PPDO membranes promoted spindle-shaped cellular morphology and enhanced secretion of three growth factors- alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), facilitating favorable cellular responses for regeneration. These results display the significance of fiber orientation in designing advanced biomaterials for dura mater repair.