Damage of the retinal pigmented epithelial cells causes various diseases such as age-related macular degeneration in retinal tissue. Nowadays, scientists are attempting to replace lost retinal cells with healthy and efficient cells that provide better conditions for recovering and preventing blindness. In this study, gelatin/chitosan nanofibrous scaffolds with mean diameters of 180 nm were fabricated for subretinal space through electrospinning. Thickness and morphology of the gelatin–chitosan scaffolds were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the high rate of degradation, i.e., 90% damage was obtained after 1 month. The cell viability of gelatin/chitosan nanofibers were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The SEM results of cultured RPE on gelatin/chitosan scaffolds showed the appropriate adhesion of cells on the substrate. The results of the identity of RPE cells cultured on the scaffolds indicated that a large number of cells strongly expressed RPE65 and cytokeratin 8/18. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Different ratios of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatinwere used to fabricate scaffolds for regeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. Physical and chemical characterizations were performed and the behavior of human RPE cells on the scaffolds was evaluated subsequently. An increase in gelatin content in the scaffold enhanced hydrophilicity, RPE cell attachment, proliferation, and spreading over PCL scaffolds. Granular and cytoplasmic expressions of RPE65 and Cytokeratin 8/18 markers confirmed the presence of RPE cells. It was believed that PCL/gelatin scaffolds could be used as substrates to replace RPE extracellular matrix to facilitate regeneration of RPE layer in retinal diseases. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT