Biomaterials for spinal cord regeneration: outgrowth of presumptive neuronal precursors on electrospun poly(epsilon)-caprolactone scaffolds microlayered with alternating polyelectrolytes.
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of electrospun poly(epsilon)-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds treated with alternating paly-electrolytes as a controllable three-dimensional adhesive substrate for neuronal progenitors. Unmodified PCL surfaces were generally not supportive of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) colony adhesion. However, scaffolds surfaced using layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of heparin/poly-L-lysine encouraged better local adhesion of mESC colonies, and networking of monolayers containing nestin-positive presumptive neurons, similar to laminin coated controls, as observed by immuno-fluorescence microscopy. Confocal microscopy further revealed depth-wise penetration of mESC nestin-positive cell populations, and orientation along grass topographical features in the LbL scaffolds. LbL deposition therefore appears to provide a satisfactory adhesive substrate for contact and mechanical guidance of neuronal outgrowth in three-dimensions.
Thouas
George A
GA
Division of Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Victoria 3800, Australia. George.Thouas@eng.monash.edu.au
Contreras
Karla G
KG
Bernard
Claude C
CC
Sun
Gui-Zhi
GZ
Tsang
Kelly
K
Zhou
Kun
K
Nisbet
David R
DR
Forsythe
John S
JS
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004573:Electrolytes; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006493:Heparin; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D011091:Polyesters; D011107:Polylysine; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004573:Electrolytes; D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone; D011107:Polylysine; D006493:Heparin