Abstract
Collagen is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is a suitable material for nerve repair during tissue remodeling for fracture repair. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an extract of green tea, shows various biological activities that are beneficial to nerve repair. Here, we developed modified collagen containing different concentrations of EGCG (0.0064%, 0.064%, and 0.64%, resp.) to induce Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation. Cell Counting Kit-8 test, live/dead assay, and SEM showed that collagen cross-linked by EGCG induced Schwann cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting revealed that EGCG-modified collagen induced Schwann cell differentiation and downregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by downregulating the MAPK P38 signaling pathway. Our results indicate that collagen cross-linked with an appropriate concentration of EGCG induces the proliferation and differentiation of Schwann cells. The EGCG-modified collagen membrane may be applicable for nerve repair and guided tissue regeneration applications.
Highlights
Peripheral nerve regeneration is in a debilitating condition for which new bioengineering solutions are needed [1]
More live cells were observed on collagen following treatment with the lower concentration of EGCG, whereas the highest concentration of EGCG showed more live cells compared to the control group
In EGCGtreated collagen membranes, the RSC96 cells were flatly spread across the sample surfaces
Summary
Peripheral nerve regeneration is in a debilitating condition for which new bioengineering solutions are needed [1]. The nervous system is involved in bone remodeling after bone fracture [4]. It regulates bone regeneration by releasing related peptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, and intestinal peptide [5]. Nerve regeneration critically influences the success of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) treatment. GTR biomaterials and cells have been developed for nerve repair. Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and Schwann cells (SCs) are important components of peripheral nerve repair. Armstrong et al showed that ECM molecules affected SC behaviors, including attachment, proliferation, and secretion of neurite-promoting factors by SCs on a nerve conduit polymeric material in vitro
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