Piezoelectric Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Promoting the Growth of Spiral Ganglion Neurons via Acoustic Stimulation.

The loss of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and hair cells often leads to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), whose therapeutic effect depends on the quality and functional integrity of the residual SGNs. Compared with traditional pharmacological therapies, tissue engineering methods have been developed to provide a biomimetic environment for SGN regeneration, but static strategies and non-responsive scaffolds still limit the therapy efficiency. Here, we present a composite piezoelectric nanofibrous scaffold responsive to acoustic stimulation to promote the growth of SGNs. The oriented nanofibrous scaffold comprising polyaniline (PANI), poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) and gelatin was fabricated using electrospinning techniques. It was cytocompatible and provided a biomimetic culture environment with controllable electric signals for SGN regeneration. It has been confirmed that the piezoelectric nanofibrous scaffold could not only enhance cell adhesion and directional growth of SGNs, but also generate the electrical signals in response to acoustic stimulation, thereby accelerating the axon growth and functional development of SGNs. Therefore, the piezoelectric nanofibrous scaffolds could provide a new approach for SGN regeneration and a potential therapeutic strategy for SNHL.