Enhancing Neural Stem Cell Proliferation Using Polyurethane/CNT Scaffolds Functionalized With Liposomal Hesperidin for Neural Tissue Engineering

ABSTRACT Developing effective platforms for neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and transplantation remains a critical challenge in central nervous system (CNS) repair, particularly within inflammatory lesion environments. This study presents a multifunctional scaffold composed of electrospun polyurethane/carbon nanotube (PU/CNT) nanofibers functionalized with liposomal hesperidin (Hsd@lip) to enhance NSC proliferation and adhesion. Hsd@lip, fabricated via thin‐film hydration, exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 69.6 ± 8.6%, a particle size of 105.8 ± 37.7 nm, and sustained drug release with 91% hesperidin released over 30 days. Incorporating CNTs into the PU matrix significantly improved mechanical strength (5.9 ± 1.1 MPa), electrical conductivity (0.067 S/cm), hydrophilicity (WCA: 85.2 ± 5.2°), and swelling behavior (220% after 24 h in artificial cerebrospinal fluid). FE‐SEM and TEM confirmed uniform fiber morphology and homogeneous CNT dispersion. NSCs cultured on PU/CNT/Hsd@lip scaffolds exhibited superior viability, attachment, and proliferation (covering 59 ± 9.5% of the surface after 14 days) compared with control scaffolds. Fluorescence and DAPI staining confirmed robust cell adhesion and scaffold colonization. These results demonstrate that the PU/CNT/Hsd@lip scaffold provides a favorable microenvironment that promotes NSC proliferation and adhesion, offering a promising platform for neural tissue engineering applications.