Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6485136 | Biomaterials | 2016 | 50 Pages |
Abstract
Persistent neurotrophic factor delivery is crucial to create a microenvironment for cell survival and nerve regeneration in spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to develop a NT-3/fibroin coated gelatin sponge scaffold (NF-GS) as a novel controlled artificial release therapy for SCI. In vitro, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were planted into the NF-GS and release test showed that NF-GS was capable to generate a sustainable NT-3 release up to 28 days. MSCs in NF-GS had high cell activity with excellent cell distribution and phenotype. Then, the NF-GS was transplanted into the injury site of spinal cord of rat and canine in vivo, which exhibited strong biocompatibility during post-transplantation period. Four weeks following transplantation, the concentration of NT-3 was much higher than that in control groups. Cavity areas in the injury/graft site were significantly reduced due to tissue regeneration and axonal extensions associated with myelin sheath through the glial scar into the NF-GS. Additionally, the NF-GS decreased the inflammation by reducing the CD68 positive cells and TNF-α. A striking feature was the occurrence of some cells and myelin-like structure that appeared to traverse the NF-GS. The present results demonstrate that the NF-GS has the property to control the release of NT-3 from the NT-3/fibroin complex thus facilitating regeneration of injured spinal cord.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Bioengineering
Authors
Ge Li, Ming-Tian Che, Ke Zhang, Li-Na Qin, Yu-Ting Zhang, Rui-Qiang Chen, Li-Min Rong, Shu Liu, Ying Ding, Hui-Yong Shen, Si-Mei Long, Jin-Lang Wu, Eng-Ang Ling, Yuan-Shan Zeng,