Micropatterned methacrylate polymers direct spiral ganglion neurite and Schwann cell growth.

ABSTRACT: Significant advances in the functional outcomes achieved with cochlear implantation will likely require tissue-engineering approaches to improve the neural prosthesis interface. One strategy is to direct spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) axon growth in a highly organized fashion to approximate or contact stimulating electrodes. Here we assessed the ability of micropatterns induced by photopolymerization in methacrylate (MA) polymer systems to direct cultured neonatal rat SGN neurite growth and alignment of SG Schwann cells (SGSCs). SGN survival and neurite length were comparable among various polymer compositions. Remarkably, there was no significant difference in SGN survival or neurite length between laminin and non-laminin coated MA polymer substrates, suggesting high biocompatibility with S

SUBMITTER: Clarke JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3152664 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature