Abstract
Different concentrations of calcium titanate (CaTiO3) nanoparticles were loaded into the Silk fibroin (SF) solution to construct porous SF@CaTiO3 hybrid scaffolds, which were shown to have enhanced properties for stimulating peripheral nerve regeneration. Surface charges, crystallization intensity, wettability, porosity, and morphology were measured and analyzed. We analyzed the hybrid porous SF@CaTiO(3) scaffolds that affected the expansion of Schwann cells. The results demonstrated a concentration-dependent influence on the dispersion of nanoparticles in the CaTiO(3) hybridized SF scaffolds. Incorporating CaTiO(3)-NPs into the porous SF@CaTiO(3) hybrid scaffolds can boost hydrophobicity while decreasing surface charge density and porosity. The hybridized scaffolds mostly had an orthorhombic calcium titanate crystal structure with amorphous Silk fibroin mixed. Schwann cell cultures revealed that SF@CaTiO(3) hybrid scaffolds containing an optimal CaTiO(3)-NPs concentration could stimulate the proliferation, attachment, and protection of Schwann cell biological functions, suggesting the scaffolds' potential for use in peripheral nerve regeneration.