nl5b04033_si_004.avi (780.87 kB)
Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Scaffolds Promote Neuronal Differentiation and Maturation
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posted on 2015-12-16, 00:00 authored by Koby Baranes, Michal Shevach, Orit Shefi, Tal DvirEngineered 3D neuronal networks are
considered a promising approach for repairing the damaged spinal cord.
However, the lack of a technological platform encouraging axonal elongation
over branching may jeopardize the success of such treatment. To address
this issue we have decorated gold nanoparticles on the surface of
electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, characterized the composite material,
and investigated their effect on the differentiation, maturation,
and morphogenesis of primary neurons and on an immature neuronal cell
line. We have shown that the nanocomposite scaffolds have encouraged
a longer outgrowth of the neurites, as judged by the total length
of the branching trees and the length and total distance of neurites.
Moreover, neurons grown on the nanocomposite scaffolds had less neurites
originating out of the soma and lower number of branches. Taken together,
these results indicate that neurons cultivated on the gold nanoparticle
scaffolds prefer axonal elongation over forming complex branching
trees. We envision that such cellular constructs may be useful in
the future as implantable cellular devices for repairing damaged neuronal
tissues, such as the spinal cord.