Effect of functionalized micropatterned PLGA on guided neurite growth.
When coaptation is not possible in the repair of nerve injuries, a bridge of biomaterial scaffold provides a structural support for neuronal cell growth and guides nerve regeneration. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds have been widely investigated for neural tissue engineering applications. In order to investigate guided neurite growth, we have fabricated micropatterns on PLGA films using laser ablation methods. The micropatterned PLGA films were coated with collagen type I or laminin peptide (PPFLMLLKGSTR) to promote axon growth. Micropatterned PLGA films provide a guidance effect on both early stage neurite outgrowth and elongation. Small (5 microm) grooves showed more statistically significant parallel neurite growth compared with larger size grooves (10 microm). Micropatterned PLGA films coated with laminin peptide showed more parallel neurite growth compared with those coated with collagen type I. Primary neurite number and total neurite length per cell decreased on micropatterned PLGA films compared with the controls. Neurites showed a preference for growth in the microgrooves rather than on the spaces. This study indicates that surface micropatterned structures with conjugated functional molecules can be used to guide neurite growth.
National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Li
L
Yao
Shenguo
S
Wang
Wenjin
W
Cui
Richard
R
Sherlock
Claire
C
O'Connell
Gopinath
G
Damodaran
Adrienne
A
Gorman
Anthony
A
Windebank
Abhay
A
Pandit
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D019344:Lactic Acid; D016501:Neurites; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D051381:Rats; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid