Title | Promoting Neuronal Outgrowth Using Ridged Scaffolds Coated with Extracellular Matrix Proteins. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Siddiqui, AM, Brunner, R, Harris, GM, Miller, ALee, Waletzki, BE, Schmeichel, AM, Schwarzbauer, JE, Schwartz, J, Yaszemski, MJ, Windebank, AJ, Madigan, NN |
Journal | Biomedicines |
Volume | 9 |
Issue | 5 |
Date Published | 2021 Apr 27 |
ISSN | 2227-9059 |
Abstract | <p>Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in cell death, demyelination, and axonal loss. The spinal cord has a limited ability to regenerate, and current clinical therapies for SCI are not effective in helping promote neurologic recovery. We have developed a novel scaffold biomaterial that is fabricated from the biodegradable hydrogel oligo(poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate) (OPF). We have previously shown that positively charged OPF scaffolds (OPF+) in an open spaced, multichannel design can be loaded with Schwann cells to support axonal generation and functional recovery following SCI. We have now developed a hybrid OPF+ biomaterial that increases the surface area available for cell attachment and that contains an aligned microarchitecture and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to better support axonal regeneration. OPF+ was fabricated as 0.08 mm thick sheets containing 100 μm high polymer ridges that self-assemble into a spiral shape when hydrated. Laminin, fibronectin, or collagen I coating promoted neuron attachment and axonal outgrowth on the scaffold surface. In addition, the ridges aligned axons in a longitudinal bipolar orientation. Decreasing the space between the ridges increased the number of cells and neurites aligned in the direction of the ridge. Schwann cells seeded on laminin coated OPF+ sheets aligned along the ridges over a 6-day period and could myelinate dorsal root ganglion neurons over 4 weeks. This novel scaffold design, with closer spaced ridges and Schwann cells, is a novel biomaterial construct to promote regeneration after SCI.</p> |
DOI | 10.3390/biomedicines9050479 |
Alternate Journal | Biomedicines |
PubMed ID | 33925613 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC8146557 |
Grant List | R01 AR073236 / AR / NIAMS NIH HHS / United States TL1 TR002380 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States UL1 TR002377 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States |