Using nanotomography to study the cellular filtration and extracellular matrix production in advanced electrospun scaffolds for enthesis reg

Enthesis failure (tendon-to-bone insertion) constitutes one of the major sources of tendon injuries worldwide. The main cause resides in its complex structure, developing as a gradient of mineralization and morphological organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) passing from the tendon to the bone tissue. Electrospinning showed the most promising results in driving, especially stem cells, towards regeneration of such complex tissue. We aim to investigate for the first time the full-field morphological/phenotype changes and the ECM produced by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), cultured in enthesis inspired electrospun collagen-based scaffolds, by using nanotomography. The scans will allow us to elucidate the morphological changes and ECM production of hMSCs in nanofibrous scaffolds with different compositions and nanofibers orientations. This study will furnish fundamental knowledge for the design of a new generation of scaffolds aimed at enthesis regeneration.