Controlled release of nerve growth factor from fibrin gel.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to promote the axonal regeneration in injured nerve system. Delivery of NGF for a long period in a controlled manner may enhance the regeneration efficacy. In this study, we investigated whether NGF can be released from fibrin gel for a long period in a controlled manner. We also investigated whether sustained delivery of NGF using fibrin gel can enhance the efficacy of NGF in vitro. The addition of heparin to fibrin gel decreased the rate of NGF release from the fibrin gel. As the concentrations of thrombin and fibrinogen in fibrin gel increased, the NGF release rate decreased significantly, and the initial release burst decreased. NGF was released for up to 14 days in vitro. The bioactivity of NGF released from fibrin gel was assessed by morphological changes of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells cultured in the presence of NGF-containing fibrin gel. NGF released from fibrin gel exhibited significantly higher degrees of PC12 cell viability and differentiation than NGF added in a free form daily into the culture medium. This study demonstrates that fibrin gel can release NGF in a sustained, controlled manner and in a bioactive form.
Bhang
Suk Ho
SH
Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Jeon
Oju
O
Choi
Cha Yong
CY
Kwon
Yun Hee Kim
YH
Kim
Byung-Soo
BS
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005337:Fibrin; D005782:Gels; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005782:Gels; D005337:Fibrin; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor