Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
functional measures showed greater axonal regeneration and ingrowth on aligned
substrates but not on unaligned surfaces. This study clearly showed that given the
same surface area, an aligned architecture can facilitate PNS regeneration. Newer
revisions to the electrospinning process has permitted the creation of pure protein
or peptide block copolymer [76] that emulate the natural basement membrane
morphology [77].
Fig. 7. (A) DRG neurons cultured onto an electrospun PAN-MA nanofiber mat. Red staining
highlights neurofilament. (B) Schwann cells on the same PAN-MA scaffolds show extended
morphologies. (C) Magnified neurofilament (red) and Schwann cell staining (green) of box
outlined in (B). (D) A double immunostained composite of aligned axons (NF160, red) and newly
deposited laminin (green). (E) Electrospun fibers of PLLA. (F) Neural stem cells cultured (2 days)
onto PLLA fibers shown in (E). (G) Scanning electron micrograph of mouse DRG atop a
microgrooved surface. (H) Immunostaining of DRGs on surfaces in (G) show good alignment.
Arrow denotes the end of the patterned topography. (A)-(D) Reprinted with permission from [75].
(E), (F) Reprinted with permission from [102]. (G), (H) Reprinted with permission from [103].
5. Biomolecule Release from Peptide — Conjugated Scaffolds
5.1.
Growth factors and suppression of inhibitory cues
Growth factors are potent molecules that play critical roles in development,
maintenance and survival of normal tissue. Controlled delivery of growth factors
has drawn special interest as a method to overcome the growth suppressing
nature of the adult CNS. The function and target of common growth factors
in the nervous system are shown in Table 2. While an in-depth review of
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