Neurite extension of primary neurons on electrospun piezoelectric scaffolds

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Abstract

Neural tissue engineering may be a promising option for neural repair treatment, for which a well-designed scaffold is essential. Smart materials that can stimulate neurite extension and outgrowth have been investigated as potential scaffolding materials. A piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) was used to fabricate electrospun aligned and random scaffolds having nano- or micron-sized fiber dimensions. The advantage of using a piezoelectric polymer is its intrinsic electrical properties. The piezoelectric characteristics of PVDF-TrFE scaffolds were shown to be enhanced by annealing. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons attached to all fibrous scaffolds. Neurites extended radially on random scaffolds, whereas aligned scaffolds directed neurite outgrowth for all fiber dimensions. Neurite extension was greatest on aligned, annealed PVDF-TrFE having micron-sized fiber dimensions in comparison with annealed and as-spun random PVDF-TrFE scaffolds. DRG on micron-sized aligned, as-spun and annealed PVDF-TrFE also had the lowest aspect ratio amongst all scaffolds, including non-piezoelectric PVDF and collagen-coated substrates. Findings from this study demonstrate the potential use of a piezoelectric fibrous scaffold for neural repair applications. © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifier

80053567085 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Acta Biomaterialia

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2011.07.013

e-ISSN

18787568

ISSN

17427061

PubMed ID

21810489

First Page

3877

Last Page

3886

Issue

11

Volume

7

Fund Ref

New Jersey Historical Commission

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