In vitro and in vivo testing of novel ultrathin PCL and PCL/PLA blend films as peripheral nerve conduit.
In an attempt to obviate the drawbacks of nerve autograft, ultrathin microporous biodegradable PCL and PCL/PLA films were tested for their compatibility with motor neuron-like NG108-15 cells and primary Schwann cells. Data obtained from MTS colorimetric and DNA fluorimetric assays showed that both cell lines readily attached and proliferated on these materials. Images taken using scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscope confirmed these observations. Enhanced cell-surface interaction was achieved by pretreating the films in NaOH solution. Importantly, NG108-15 cells could be induced into differentiated phenotype with long, un-branched neurites growing across the surface of the materials. The bipolar spindle-shaped phenotype of Schwann cells was also retained on these scaffolds. Positive immunochemical staining using antibodies against neurofilament for NG108-15 cells and S100 for Schwann cells indicated the expression of these marker proteins. In a small-scaled pilot testing, the performance of PCL conduits in bridging up a 10 mm gap in rat sciatic nerve model was assessed. Immunohistochemical staining showed that regenerated nerve tissue and penetrated Schwann cells have the potential to span the whole length of the conduit in 2 weeks.
Sun
M
M
Materials Science Centre, Department of Engineering and Physical Sciences, The University of Manchester, Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HS, United Kingdom.
Kingham
P J
PJ
Reid
A J
AJ
Armstrong
S J
SJ
Terenghi
G
G
Downes
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C016240:polycaprolactone; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D012972:Sodium Hydroxide