Providing the right cues in nerve guidance conduits: Biofunctionalization versus fiber profile to facilitate oriented neuronal outgrowth

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Karolina Chwalek - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Harvard University (Author)
  • Yanina Dening - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • Claudia Hinüber - , Chair of Polymer Materials and Elastomer Technology, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • Harald Brünig - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Mirko Nitschke - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • Carsten Werner - , Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Chair of Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)

Abstract

Following peripheral nerve injury, rapid and spatially oriented axonal outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump is required for successful tissue regeneration. Regenerative strategies such as introducing fiber bundles into the nerve guidance conduits improve the directional growth of neurons and Schwann cells. Recently, it has been proposed that fiber profiling increases cell alignment and could accelerate neuronal growth. Here, we evaluate the impact of fiber profiling on the extent of neurite outgrowth in vitro as compared to non-profiled round fibers. We developed novel profiled trilobal poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers and systematically tested their potency to support nerve regeneration in vitro. The profiled fibers did not improve neurite outgrowth as compared to the round fibers. Instead, we show that growing neurites are merely guided by the type and quantity of proteins adsorbed on the polymer surface. Together this data has significant implications for in vivo experiments focusing on directional regrowth of severed axons across lesion sites during peripheral nerve regeneration.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)466-472
Number of pages7
JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C
Volume61
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26838873
ORCID /0000-0003-0189-3448/work/161890445

Keywords

Keywords

  • Fibers, Neuron, Poly(lactic acid), Profile, Protein