Spatial confinement of neurite regrowth from dorsal root ganglia within nonporous microconduits.
Tissue engineering is founded on the concept of controlling the behavior of individual cells to stimulate tissue formation. This control is achieved by mimicking signals that manage natural tissue development or repair. These interdependent signals include cytokine delivery, extracellular matrix interactions, and cell-cell communication. Here, we report on the effect of spatial guidance as a signal for nerve tissue regeneration, using a simple in vitro model. We observe the acceleration of neurite extension from rat dorsal root ganglia within micron-scale tubes. Within these hydrogel-filled conduits, neurites were observed to extend more rapidly than when cultured within the hydrogel alone. The spatial cue also induced a change in tissue architecture, with the cabling of cells within the microconduit. The acceleration of neurite extension was found to be independent of conduit diameter within the range of 200 to 635 microm. Finally, our in vitro model enabled quantification of the effect of combining spatial control and localized nerve growth factor delivery.
Pearson
Richard G
RG
Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, United Kingdom.
Molino
Yves
Y
Williams
Philip M
PM
Tendler
Saul J B
SJ
Davies
Martyn C
MC
Roberts
Clive J
CJ
Shakesheff
Kevin M
KM
D000818:Animals; D024042:Collagen Type I; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology*; D005898:Glass; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D016501:Neurites / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016062:Porosity; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D024042:Collagen Type I; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor