Promoting Neuronal Outgrowth Using Ridged Scaffolds Coated with Extracellular Matrix Proteins.

ABSTRACT: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in cell death, demyelination, and axonal loss. The spinal cord has a limited ability to regenerate, and current clinical therapies for SCI are not effective in helping promote neurologic recovery. We have developed a novel scaffold biomaterial that is fabricated from the biodegradable hydrogel oligo(poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate) (OPF). We have previously shown that positively charged OPF scaffolds (OPF+) in an open spaced, multichannel design can be loaded with Schwann cells to support axonal generation and functional recovery following SCI. We have now developed a hybrid OPF+ biomaterial that increases the surface area available for cell attachment and that contains an aligned microarchitecture and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to better support axo

SUBMITTER: Siddiqui AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8146557 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature