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Published on: December 8, 2016
Surface Functional Modification by Ti3 C2 Tx MXene on PLLA Nanofibers for Optimizing Neural Stem Cell Engineering
Yi-Dan Zhu1, Xi-Ying Ma2, Lin-Peng Li1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
This study enhances neural stem cell (NSC) growth and differentiation for neurological disease treatment using Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated nanofibers. This biomaterial improves neural regeneration and reduces the body's response to implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optimizing neural stem cell (NSC) substrates is crucial for treating neurological diseases.
- Current substrates lack the necessary functionality, conductivity, and biocompatibility for efficient neurogenesis.
- Developing advanced materials for guided neural regeneration remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel biomaterial by coating aligned poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) nanofibers with Ti3C2Tx MXene.
- To enhance NSC neurogenesis, direct cell growth, and improve neural regeneration.
- To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and in vivo biocompatibility of the modified substrate.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of aligned PLLA nanofibers with Ti3C2Tx MXene.
- Characterization of substrate properties: conductivity, surface chemistry, hydrophilicity, and topography.
- In vitro studies on NSC adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
- RNA sequencing analysis to elucidate molecular pathways.
- In vivo assessment of the foreign body response to implanted PLLA nanofibers.
Main Results:
- Ti3C2Tx MXene coating endowed PLLA nanofibers with enhanced conductivity, functional groups, hydrophilicity, and roughness.
- The modified substrate significantly promoted NSC adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation into neurons and astrocytes.
- Ti3C2Tx MXene synergized with nanofiber alignment to enhance neurite outgrowth and neuronal maturation.
- RNA sequencing revealed molecular mechanisms of NSC fate modulation by Ti3C2Tx MXene.
- Surface modification mitigated the in vivo foreign body response to PLLA nanofibers.
Conclusions:
- Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated aligned PLLA nanofibers represent a promising strategy for neural tissue engineering.
- This advanced biomaterial offers synergistic benefits for promoting neural regeneration and improving implant biocompatibility.
- The findings provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.

