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Surface-Functionalized Conducting Nanofibers for Electrically Stimulated Neural Cell Function.
Rajiv Borah1, Ganesh C Ingavle2, Ashok Kumar3
1Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science & Technology, Guwahati 781035, India.
Biomacromolecules
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Surface-functionalized electroconductive nanofibers enhance nerve regeneration. Combining chemical cues with electrical stimulation accelerates neuronal growth, offering a promising strategy for neural scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Enhancing nerve regeneration requires biomaterials with cell-instructive cues and physical stimuli.
- Poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) based nanofibers offer electroconductive properties for neural applications.
- Surface functionalization is crucial for improving cell adhesion and differentiation on biomaterial scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface functionalization of MEH-PPV electroconductive nanofibers for accelerated neuronal growth.
- To explore the voltage-dependent conductive mechanism of nanofibers and its link to electrically stimulated neuronal responses.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surface amination as a cost-effective alternative to biomolecule coating for neural regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MEH-PPV-based electrospun nanofibers.
- Surface functionalization using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA).
- Characterization of nanofiber properties (uniformity, porosity, conductivity, mechanical strength).
- In vitro evaluation of cell adhesion, spreading (3T3 fibroblasts), and differentiation (PC12 neuronal cells).
- Assessment of neurite formation and elongation under electrical stimulation (ES).
Main Results:
- Uniform, porous, conductive, and mechanically robust nanofibers were successfully fabricated.
- Surface amination significantly enhanced fibroblast adhesion and spreading.
- Neuronal PC12 cells exhibited improved differentiation on aminated nanofibers.
- Combined surface amination and ES promoted neurite formation and elongation comparable or superior to collagen-coated scaffolds without ES.
Conclusions:
- Surface amination of MEH-PPV nanofibers improves biocompatibility and neuronal differentiation.
- MEH-PPV nanofibers coupled with electrical stimulation represent a promising strategy for nerve regeneration.
- This approach offers a potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional biomolecule coatings for neural scaffolds.
