Electrospun nanofibers for neural tissue engineering

Xie, Jingwei; MacEwan, Matthew R.; Schwartz, Andrea G.; Xia, Younan

doi:10.1039/b9nr00243j

Cited by 334 publications

(254 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…This can be seen in Figure 7(a), where cells are preferentially growing out from the sphere along the fibers, whereas cells on a flat surface (Figure 7(b)) do not show this behavior and outgrowth is randomly orientated. Cell alignment along orientated electrospun fibers has been shown previously for different cell types, 79,80 and Lim et.al observed similar behavior as we do for adult neural stem cells. 81 negative cell migration, seen by DAPI staining, out from the neurosphere for spheres on electrospun fiber substrates.…”

Section: Cell Culture On Electrospun Fibers In a Microfluidic Channelsupporting

confidence: 72%

A method to integrate patterned electrospun fibers with microfluidic systems to generate complex microenvironments for cell culture applications

Wallin

Zandén²,

Carlberg³

et al. 2012

Biomicrofluidics

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The properties of a cell's microenvironment are one of the main driving forces in cellular fate processes and phenotype expression in vivo. The ability to create controlled cell microenvironments in vitro becomes increasingly important for studying or controlling phenotype expression in tissue engineering and drug discovery applications. This includes the capability to modify material surface properties within well-defined liquid environments in cell culture systems. One successful approach to mimic extra cellular matrix is with porous electrospun polymer fiber scaffolds, while microfluidic networks have been shown to efficiently generate spatially and temporally defined liquid microenvironments. Here, a method to integrate electrospun fibers with microfluidic networks was developed in order to form complex cell microenvironments with the capability to vary relevant parameters. Spatially defined regions of electrospun fibers of both aligned and random orientation were patterned on glass substrates that were irreversibly bonded to microfluidic networks produced in poly-dimethyl-siloxane. Concentration gradients obtained in the fiber containing channels were characterized experimentally and compared with values obtained by computational fluid dynamic simulations. Velocity and shear stress profiles, as well as vortex formation, were calculated to evaluate the influence of fiber pads on fluidic properties. The suitability of the system to support cell attachment and growth was demonstrated with a fibroblast cell line. The potential of the platform was further verified by a functional investigation of neural stem cell alignment in response to orientation of electrospun fibers versus a microfluidic generated chemoattractant gradient of stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha. The described method is a competitive strategy to create complex microenvironments in vitro that allow detailed studies on the interplay of topography, substrate surface properties, and soluble microenvironment on cellular fate processes. V C 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx

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Section: Cell Culture On Electrospun Fibers In a Microfluidic Channelsupporting

confidence: 72%

A method to integrate patterned electrospun fibers with microfluidic systems to generate complex microenvironments for cell culture applications

Wallin

Zandén²,

Carlberg³

et al. 2012

Biomicrofluidics

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“…The post-collection processing of aligned nanofibers todate has been heavily reliant on direct collection onto 2-D glass coverslips for mechanical support, or alternatively, relatively thick, 3-D, more mechanically stable nanofiber meshes have been utilized but have additional challenges regarding cellular infiltration throughout the mesh thickness [1,58,59]. The supporting acetate frames: (i) provide mechanical stability to the nanofibers; (ii) maintain nanofiber alignment throughout culture; (iii) obviate the requirement for including a supporting substrate (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An in vitro spinal cord injury model to screen neuroregenerative materials

Weightman¹,

Pickard²,

Yang³

et al. 2014

Biomaterials

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Implantable 'structural bridges' based on nanofabricated polymer scaffolds have great promise to aid spinal cord regeneration. Their development (optimal formulations, surface functionalizations, biocompatibility, topographical influences and degradation profiles) is heavily reliant on live animal injury models. These have several disadvantages including invasive surgical procedures, ethical issues, high animal usage, technical complexity and expense. In vitro 3-D organotypic slice arrays could offer a novel solution to overcome these challenges, but their utility for nanomaterials testing is undetermined. We have developed an in vitro model of spinal cord injury that replicates stereotypical cellular responses to neurological injury in vivo, viz. reactive gliosis, microglial infiltration and limited nerve fibre outgrowth. We describe a facile method to safely incorporate aligned, poly-lactic acid nanofiber meshes (± poly-lysine + laminin coating) within injury sites using a lightweight

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“…These criteria included: (i) limiting scar infiltration, while allowing diffusion of nutrients into the conduit and wastes to exit the conduit; (ii) providing sufficient mechanical properties for structural support; (iii) exhibiting a low immune response; and (iv) biodegradability, to remove the need for secondary surgery and to prevent chronic inflammation and pain caused by nerve compression due to the eventual collapse of implanted NGCs [25]. For the first criterion, adequate nutrient exchange and waste removal in an NGC can be achieved, if the material is permeable with a molecular weight limit of approximately 50 kDa [26][27][28]. For the remaining criteria, a number of different materials both biological (e.g.…”

Section: The Development Of Nerve Guidance Conduitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A biomaterials approach to peripheral nerve regeneration: bridging the peripheral nerve gap and enhancing functional recovery

Daly

Yao

Zeugolis

et al. 2011

J. R. Soc. Interface.

492

508

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Microsurgical techniques for the treatment of large peripheral nerve injuries (such as the gold standard autograft) and its main clinically approved alternative-hollow nerve guidance conduits (NGCs)-have a number of limitations that need to be addressed. NGCs, in particular, are limited to treating a relatively short nerve gap (4 cm in length) and are often associated with poor functional recovery. Recent advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering approaches are seeking to overcome the limitations associated with these treatment methods. This review critically discusses the advances in biomaterial-based NGCs, their limitations and where future improvements may be required. Recent developments include the incorporation of topographical guidance features and/or intraluminal structures, which attempt to guide Schwann cell (SC) migration and axonal regrowth towards their distal targets. The use of such strategies requires consideration of the size and distribution of these topographical features, as well as a suitable surface for cell-material interactions. Likewise, cellular and molecular-based therapies are being considered for the creation of a more conductive nerve microenvironment. For example, hurdles associated with the short half-lives and low stability of molecular therapies are being surmounted through the use of controlled delivery systems. Similarly, cells (SCs, stem cells and genetically modified cells) are being delivered with biomaterial matrices in attempts to control their dispersion and to facilitate their incorporation within the host regeneration process. Despite recent advances in peripheral nerve repair, there are a number of key factors that need to be considered in order for these new technologies to reach the clinic.

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Electrospun nanofibers for neural tissue engineering

Cited by 334 publications

References 62 publications

A method to integrate patterned electrospun fibers with microfluidic systems to generate complex microenvironments for cell culture applications

A method to integrate patterned electrospun fibers with microfluidic systems to generate complex microenvironments for cell culture applications

An in vitro spinal cord injury model to screen neuroregenerative materials

A biomaterials approach to peripheral nerve regeneration: bridging the peripheral nerve gap and enhancing functional recovery

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