Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
08:03
Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds of Poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate) for Engineering Neural Tissues From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: June 18, 2014
Electrospun nanofibrillar surfaces promote neuronal differentiation and function from human embryonic stem cells
Ebrahim Shahbazi1, Sahar Kiani, Hamid Gourabi
1Department of Stem Cells and Development al Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Electrospun polyamide nanofibers enhance human embryonic stem cell (hESC) neurogenic differentiation and neuronal function. This biomaterial surface supports neural development, showing improved cell proliferation and neuronal marker expression for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a valuable source for neural differentiation.
- Optimizing in vitro conditions is crucial for efficient neurogenesis.
- Nanofibrous scaffolds offer unique topographical cues for cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of electrospun polyamide nanofibers on hESC neurogenic differentiation.
- To compare neuronal development on nanofibrous surfaces versus standard conditions.
- To assess the functional maturation of neurons derived from hESCs on nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were cultured on polyamide nanofibrous scaffolds under neural induction conditions.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze neural ectoderm (NE) markers (NESTIN, SOX1, PAX6) and proliferation (Ki67).
- Differentiated neurons were assessed for neuronal (TUJ1, MAP2) and motor neuron (HB9, ISL1, ChAT) markers at protein and mRNA levels.
- Scanning electron microscopy visualized neurite outgrowth and connections.
- Electrophysiological recordings measured ionic currents and action potentials.
Main Results:
- Nanofibrous surfaces supported higher expression of NE markers and increased cell proliferation compared to controls.
- Differentiated neurons on nanofibers exhibited enhanced expression of neuronal and motor neuron markers.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed well-developed neurites and connections on nanofibrous scaffolds.
- Neurons on nanofibers showed significantly greater Na(+) and Ca(2+) currents, improved resting membrane potential, and enhanced ionic channel gene expression and function.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun polyamide nanofibrous architecture provides a superior microenvironment for hESC neurogenic differentiation and neuronal maturation.
- The combination of nanofibrous surfaces and neurogenic factors promotes enhanced neuronal function.
- These findings highlight the potential of nanofibrous materials in regenerative medicine and neural tissue engineering applications.
