Immobilizing Gradients of Neurotrophic Factors for Directed Peripheral Nervous System Cell Migration Guidance

peripheral nerve regeneration;immobilized gradients;Materials Science & Engineering

Chim, Letitia Kai-Ling

Johns Hopkins University

关键词: peripheral nerve regeneration;    immobilized gradients;    Materials Science & Engineering;   

Others  :  https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/bitstream/handle/1774.2/39496/CHIM-THESIS-2016.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

瑞士|英语

来源: JOHNS HOPKINS DSpace Repository

【 摘 要 】

Bioengineered nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer a less invasive treatment option to current surgical procedures for peripheral nerve repair following traumatic injury. Biochemical cues and topographical guidance have been shown to independently contribute to directing Schwann cell migration guidance and neuron axonal extension across large gap injuries, but little work has been done in looking at the effect of combining these two elements on cell response. In the present study, we report a number of methods to immobilize concentration gradients of neurotrophic factors onto the surface of aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and collagen microfibers using a simple diffusion-based microfluidic platform. Direct immobilization of molecules to PCL can be accomplished using a UV-activated crosslinker, and gradient parameters can be tuned by controlling UV irradiation time as well as loading concentration. A two-step method using EDC/NHS surface activation followed by streptavidin/biotin binding was found to be effective for immobilizing molecules to collagen. We propose the use of these immobilization protocols in future in vitro studies to investigate the synergy of neurotrophic factor gradient guidance and topographical alignment cues in a combinatorial platform with the goal of maximizing directed peripheral nervous system cell response and enhancing the functionality of NGCs.