Using PC12 cells to evaluate poly(caprolactone) and collagenous microcarriers for applications in nerve guide fabrication

Biotechnol Prog. 2003 Nov-Dec;19(6):1767-74. doi: 10.1021/bp034086m.

Abstract

Tissue-engineered nerve guides can provide mechanical support as well as chemical stimulation for nerve regeneration. PC12 cells were used to test the novel combination of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and macroporous collagen-based microcarriers (CultiSphers) as an initial phase in the fabrication of multichanneled nerve guides. Laminin-coated PCL was an effective matrix for the attachment, proliferation, and viability of PC12 cells, relative to uncoated PCL. PC12 cells attached to laminin-coated PCL and extended neurites when cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF). PC12 cells attached and proliferated on CultiSphers and extended neurites in response to NGF. A novel PCL/CultiSpher composite material also supported PC12 attachment and proliferation and provides a potentially useful material for the fabrication of synthetic nerve guides.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Caproates / chemistry*
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Division / physiology*
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Lactones / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing / methods*
  • Microspheres
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neurites / physiology
  • Neurites / ultrastructure
  • PC12 Cells
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Rats
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Caproates
  • Lactones
  • caprolactone
  • Collagen