title: Chitosan/siRNA nanoparticles biofunctionalize nerve implants and enable neurite outgrowth.
abstract: Microstructured 20 μm thick polymer filaments used as nerve implants were loaded with chitosan/siRNA nanoparticles to promote nerve regeneration and ensure local delivery of nanotherapeutics. The stable nanoparticles were rapidly internalized by cells and did not affect cell viability. Target mRNA was successfully reduced by 65-75% and neurite outgrowth was enhanced even in an inhibitory environment. This work, thus, supports the application of nanobiofunctionalized implants as a novel approach for spinal cord and nerve repair.
authors.affiliation: NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mittnacht
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: San
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hein
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Mingdong
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Ana P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pêgo
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kjems
authors.forename: Kenneth A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schlosshauer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D016501:Neurites / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000648:ultrastructure; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics; D014162:Transfection; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D048271:Chitosan; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein