title: Enhanced neuronal cell differentiation combining biomimetic peptides and a carbon nanotube-polymer scaffold.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes are attractive candidates for the development of scaffolds able to support neuronal growth and differentiation thanks to their ability to conduct electrical stimuli, to interface with cells and to mimic the neural environment. We developed a biocompatible composite scaffold, consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in a poly-L-lactic acid matrix able to support growth and differentiation of human neuronal cells. Moreover, to mimic guidance cues from the neural environment, we also designed synthetic peptides, derived from L1 and LINGO1 proteins. Such peptides could positively modulate neuronal differentiation, which is synergistically improved by the combination of the nanocomposite scaffold and the peptides, thus suggesting a prototype for the development of implants for long-term neuronal growth and differentiation. From the clinical editor: The study describes the design and preparation of nanocomposite scaffolds with multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a poly-L-lactic acid matrix. This compound used in combination with peptides leads to synergistic effects in supporting neuronal cell growth and differentiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: giorgia.scapin@bio.unipd.it.
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scapin
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: patrizio.salice@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salice
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: simone.tescari@studenti.unipd.it.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tescari
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: enzo.menna@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Menna
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: vincenzo.defilippis@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: De Filippis
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Padua, Italy. Electronic address: francesco.filippini@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Filippini
mesh_terms: D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: C482293:LINGO1 protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D010455:Peptides; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)
keywords: Biomimetic peptides; Carbon nanotube scaffold; L1; LINGO1; Neuronal differentiation