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Insertion of Flexible Neural Probes Using Rigid Stiffeners Attached with Biodissolvable Adhesive
Published on: September 27, 2013
A biocompatible and flexible medium chain length PHA, P(3HB-co-20mol%3HHx) for neural tissue engineering
Lara Santolin1, Caroline S Taylor2, Björn Weiske3
1School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HQ, UK; Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Biotechnology, Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Ackerstraße 76 ACK24, Berlin 13355, Germany.
Abstract:
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have shown much promise as materials in nerve tissue engineering. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] has excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tuneable mechanical properties, which are much more flexible than Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)]. In this study, the potential of P(3HB-co-20mol%3HHx), produced by an engineered Cupriavidus necator strain, was investigated and compared with P(3HB), produced by Bacillus subtilis OK2, and polycaprolactone (PCL) for nerve tissue engineering applications. The PHAs were produced by batch/fed-batch fermentation. Solvent cast films were prepared using P(3HB-co-20mol%3HHx), P(3HB) and PCL, and evaluated for morphology, topography and mechanical properties. In addition, their ability to support proliferation, viability and differentiation of NG108-15 was also evaluated. Mechanical properties showed that P(3HB-co-20mol%3HHx) films were more suitable for soft tissue engineering applications, than the homopolymer P(3HB). In addition, P(3HB-co-20mol%3HHx) films demonstrated superior NG108-15 neuronal cell adhesion, proliferation and viability and supported NG108-15 neuronal cell differentiation, outperforming PCL films, the current FDA approved biopolymer used in peripheral nerve repair.
