Nanofibers Support Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Growth and Function as a Neuron-Free Model for Myelination Study

Abstract

Nanofiber-based scaffolds may simultaneously provide immediate contact guidance for neural regeneration and act as a vehicle for therapeutic cell delivery to enhance axonal myelination. Additionally, nanofibers can serve as a neuron-free model to study myelination of oligodendrocytes. In this study, we fabricated nanofibers using a polycaprolactone and gelatin co-polymer. The ratio of the gelatin component in the fibers was confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The addition of gelatin to the polycaprolactone (PCL) for nanofiber fabrication decreased the contact angle of the electrospun fibers. We showed that both polycaprolactone nanofibers as well as polycaprolactone and gelatin co-polymer nanofibers can support oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) growth and differentiation. OPCs maintained their phenotype and viability on nanofibers and were induced to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. The differentiated oligodendrocytes extend their processes along the nanofibers and ensheathed the nanofibers. Oligodendrocytes formed significantly more myelinated segments on the PCL and gelatin co3polymer nanofibers than those on PCL nanofibers alone.

Blending chitosan‐g‐poly(caprolactone) with poly(caprolactone) by electrospinning to produce functional fiber mats for tissue engineering applications

“…However, the contact angle is not only defined by the surface chemistry but also by topography. Rough hydrophobic and rough hydrophilic surfaces show more extreme contact angles compared to smooth surfaces of the same material . This effect may also result in a sudden change from very large contact angles to complete wettability .…”

Anti-Neoplastic Cytotoxicity of SN-38-Loaded PCL/Gelatin Electrospun Composite Nanofiber Scaffolds against Human Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro

“…PCL–gelatin (GT) composite materials are widely used in tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery because of their good biocompatibility and mechanical, physical, and chemical properties . PCL/GT (50:50, w/w) nanofibers with wettability are beneficial to neurite outgrowth and cell differentiation, and these nanofibers have been shown to support myelination in oligodendrocyte precursor cells, demonstrating their potential value in the nervous system. Adding a small amount of acid to a nanofiber compound solution can overcomes the adverse effects on the fibers caused by phase separation between PCL and GT during electrospinning of the hybrid system, making the morphology of the fibers more uniform …”

Oscillating field stimulation promotes spinal cord remyelination by inducing differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells after spinal cord injury

“…OPCs are extremely motile and can differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which is a critical step for remyelination after SCI [12]. Therefore, the effects of the OFS treatment on differentiation of OPCs based upon the outcome of phenotypical staining were evaluated.…”