Aminosilane Functionalized Aligned Fiber PCL Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Repair

Abstract

Silane modification is a simple and cost‐effective tool to modify existing biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Aminosilane layer deposition has previously been shown to control NG108‐15 neuronal cell and primary Schwann cell adhesion and differentiation by controlling deposition of ─NH2 groups at the submicron scale across the entirety of a surface by varying silane chain length. This is the first study toreport depositing 11‐aminoundecyltriethoxysilane (CL11) onto aligned Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration. Fibers are manufactured via electrospinning and characterized using water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Confirmed modified fibers are investigated using in vitro cell culture of NG108‐15 neuronal cells and primary Schwann cells to determine cell viability, cell differentiation, and phenotype. CL11‐modified fibers significantly support NG108‐15 neuronal cell and Schwann cell viability. NG108‐15 neuronal cell differentiation maintains Schwann cell phenotype compared to unmodified PCL fiber scaffolds. 3D ex vivo culture of Dorsal root ganglion explants (DRGs) confirms further Schwann cell migration and longer neurite outgrowth from DRG explants cultured on CL11 fiber scaffolds compared to unmodified scaffolds. Thus, a reproducible and cost‐effective tool is reported to modify biomaterials with functional amine groups that can significantly improve nerve guidance devices and enhance nerve regeneration.

Silanization Strategies for Tailoring Peptide Functionalization on Silicon Surfaces: Implications for Enhancing Stem Cell Adhesion

“…Indeed, the XPS results obtained in the present study showed consistency with what is found in the literature concerning the chemical elemental distribution on the surface upon AUTES silanization. 39,41 However, XPS survey analysis revealed a different chemical composition after Alk-Phtha deposition, although after deprotection, the resulting molecule (Alk-NH 2 ) has the same chemical structure as AUTES. The observed differences were particularly pronounced in the highresolution spectra, with AUTES showing a higher concen-tration on the surface than Alk-NH 2 .…”

“…40 However, Taylor et al reported contrasting results, noting enhanced support for cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability on plain glass coverslips modified with AUTES, thereby introducing a conflicting perspective in the literature. 41 Previous studies have addressed the relationship between diverse chain lengths of aminosilanes and the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells. Chen et al carried out an investigation focused on elucidating the influence of C 3 and C 11 alkyl chain length in silane molecules, specifically assessing the modified deposition pattern of NH 2 groups on the substrate surface.…”

“…Consequently, APTES was identified as the more suitable candidate for biosensor applications . However, Taylor et al reported contrasting results, noting enhanced support for cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability on plain glass coverslips modified with AUTES, thereby introducing a conflicting perspective in the literature …”