Immobilization of cell‐binding peptides on poly‐ε‐caprolactone film surface to biomimic the peripheral nervous system

Abstract

Cell-material interactions are crucial for cell adhesion and proliferation on biomaterial surfaces. Immobilization of biomolecules leads to the formation of biomimetic substrates, improving cell response. We introduced RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequences on poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) film surfaces using thiol chemistry to enhance Schwann cell (SC) response. XPS elemental analysis indicated an estimate of 2-3% peptide functionalization on the PCL surface, comparable with carbodiimide chemistry. Contact angle was not remarkably reduced; hence, cell response was only affected by chemical cues on the film surface. Adhesion and proliferation of Schwann cells were enhanced after PCL modification. Particularly, RGD immobilization increased cell attachment up to 40% after 6 h of culture. It was demonstrated that SC morphology changed from round to very elongated shape when surface modification was carried out, with an increase in the length of cellular processes up to 50% after 5 days of culture. Finally RGD immobilization triggered the formation of focal adhesion related to higher cell spreading. In summary, this study provides a method for immobilization of biomolecules on PCL films to be used in peripheral nerve repair, as demonstrated by the enhanced response of Schwann cells.

PRGD/PDLLA conduit potentiates rat sciatic nerve regeneration and the underlying molecular mechanism

“…The RGD motif has been proven to enhance Schwann attachment, elongation in vitro [25,26], and facilitate axon growth in the early stages across rat sciatic transaction injuries in vivo [27]. During the early phase of regeneration of peripheral nerves in the presence of RGD coated conduits, the activated Schwann cells around lesion secrete vital trophic factors, thereby providing a permissive surface and matrix molecules to support axon regeneration [27,28].…”

Biomimetic neural scaffolds: a crucial step towards optimal peripheral nerve regeneration

“…These molecules are selective in cell binding and can be incorporated onto neural scaffold surfaces at higher densities. Specific amino acid sequences, such as IKVAV (Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val), 103 YIGSR (Tyr- Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg), 104 and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp), 105,106 have been shown to enhance the adhesion and proliferation of neural cells, and many more have been investigated for use in peripheral nerve regeneration. In a rat 15 mm nerve gap model, Itoh et al demonstrated that laminin and YIGSR peptides do not lead to different outcomes, and both improve nerve regeneration.…”

Degradable Poly(amidoamine) Hydrogels as Scaffolds for In Vitro Culturing of Peripheral Nervous System Cells

“…SC in culture grow to confluence in 10–12 d and no more passages on the same support are allowed 38. On the other hand, this is the upper limit timing usually adopted in most papers on related investigations found in the literature on SC 39–43…”