Use of polycaprolactone (PCL) as scaffolds for the regeneration of nerve tissue

Abstract

Adipose tissue is an easily accessible source of stem cells for use in tissue regenerative medicine. In the literature, different methods have been used to stimulate acquisition of neuronal characteristics by adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC). Herein we study the growth and neuronal differentiation potential of ADSC seeded onto a porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that PCL can be used as a scaffold to support reconstruction of new nervous tissue using adipose stem cells. We have previously shown that undifferentiated ADSC adhere and grow on PCL. Herein we show that, after culture on PCL in neuronal differentiation medium, ADSC expressed molecular markers characteristic of neuronal cells (β-tubulin-III, Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE), Nestin) and secrete brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). This study suggests that PCL can be used as a scaffold to generate nervous tissue in vitro. PLC has excellent mechanical properties and a slow degradation rate. Moreover, on the basis of our results, we propose that PCL could be used for to make in vitro, scaffold coated with neuronal cells derived from Adipose stem cells (ADSC). Neuronal cells-coated PCL could find several applications to replace damaged area of ​​the body; for example, a possible use could be the generation of nerves.

Potentially biocompatible polyacrylamides derived by the Ugi four-component reaction

“…In addition, synthetic polymers are nowadays thoroughly examined regarding their mechanical and thermal behavior or the kinetics of polymerization, providing the necessary knowledge to synthesize tailormade polymers for individual applications [8]. For example, polycaprolactone, often used in tissue engineering, is known for its excellent biocompatibility, but also for its poor thermal and mechanical properties [9]. Polymers, such as polyamides, overcome these drawbacks through blending or incorporation into copolymers, or by modification of their side-chains to introduce the desired physical properties [10][11][12][13].…”

(‐)‐Epigallocatechin gallate‐loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds fabricated using a 3D integrated moulding method alleviate immune stress and induce neurogenesis

“…PCL is a common synthetic material for manufacturing nerve scaffolds. It has many important characteristics, including a suitable degradation rate, biocompatibility and mechanical stability, all of which should be considered when selecting appropriate scaffold materials . PCL is very useful and advantageous in long‐term peripheral nerve regeneration due to its relatively low degradation speed.…”

A ternary nanofibrous scaffold potential for central nerve system tissue engineering

“…In present research, novel PCL/gelatin/Fibrinogen ternary composition nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared. PCL provided high mechanical strength while gelatin (as a natural polymer) improved the hydrophilicity and consequently the scaffold–cell interactions . It should be noted that gelatin, in comparison with fibrinogen, is more available and less cost polymer which makes the scaffold more economical.…”