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Cultivation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells in a 3-dimensional Self-assembling Peptide Hydrogel
Published on: January 11, 2012
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Bioactive peptide functionalized aligned cyclodextrin nanofibers for neurite outgrowth
Seren Hamsici1, Goksu Cinar, Asli Celebioglu
1Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey. moguler@unam.bilkent.edu.tr atekinay@unam.bilkent.edu.tr uyar@unam.bilkent.edu.tr.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
A new method uses host-guest interactions to create bioactive scaffolds for nerve regeneration. These aligned nanofibers guide neural cells, enhancing differentiation and neurite extension for better peripheral nerve repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Neurite extension and neural connectivity are crucial for neural tissue regeneration and implants.
- Current methods for functionalizing materials for neural differentiation face challenges like harsh conditions and non-uniform surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile noncovalent functionalization method for creating implantable scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- To investigate the combined effects of bioactive epitopes and physical alignment on neural differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of electrospun cyclodextrin nanofibers (CDNFs).
- Noncovalent functionalization of CDNFs with an adamantane-conjugated IKVAV epitope using host-guest interactions.
- Physical alignment of nanofibers to create 3D biocompatible microenvironments.
- Culturing PC-12 cells on aligned and functionalized CDNFs and assessing differentiation markers.
Main Results:
- Aligned and IKVAV-functionalized CDNFs promoted PC-12 cell viability and adhesion.
- Significantly higher expression of neuron-specific βIII-tubulin and synaptophysin was observed in cells cultured on these scaffolds.
- Enhanced neurite extension was noted on bioactive aligned scaffolds compared to random or non-functionalized ones.
Conclusions:
- The proposed noncovalent functionalization method offers a facile approach for creating bioactive scaffolds.
- Combining chemical cues (IKVAV epitope) and physical cues (aligned nanofibers) effectively guides neural differentiation.
- These advanced scaffolds hold promise for peripheral nerve regeneration applications.
