Biomolecule functionalized PVA-chitosan composite nanofibrous scaffold for human endometrium stromal cells attachment and proliferation: An in-vitro study

•Biomolecule functionalized PVA-Chitosan composite nanofibrous scaffold prepared.•Biomolecule functionalization of scaffold enhanced endometrial cell interaction.•U4 combination of biomolecule showed best cellular attachment and proliferation.•Biocompatibility and collagen synthesis enhanced by biomolecule functionalization.•This novel scaffold may be suitable for endometrial regeneration applications. Human endometrial thickness (>7 mm) has been a prognostic factor for successful embryo implantation in natural pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Functionalized scaffold-based tissue engineering approach has shown good potency in the functional repair of endometrium. In this study, we report biomolecule functionalized polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-CH) composite nanofibrous scaffold for attachment and proliferation of human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) to improve endometrial thickness. The interconnected nanoporous architecture and sustained release of biomolecules supported HESC attachment, proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion on the developed scaffold. The prepared biomolecule-functionalized PVA-CH composite nanofibrous scaffold was biocompatible and biodegradable making it suitable for endometrial tissue regeneration applications.