Abstract
A 2D multifunctional nanocomposite system of gold nanorods (AuNRs) was developed. Gold nanorods were functionalized via polyethylene glycol with a terminal amine, and, were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, ultra violet-visible and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Zeta-potential. The system was cytocompatible to and maintained the integrity of Schwann cells. The neurogenic potential of adipose tissue – derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was evaluated in vitro. The expression pattern and localization of Vimentin confirmed the mesenchymal origin of cells and tracked morphological changes during differentiation. The expression patterns of S100β and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were used as indicator for neural differentiation. Results suggested that this process was enhanced when the cells were seeded on the AuNRs compared to the tissue-culture surface. The present study indicates that the design and the surface properties of the AuNRs enhances neural differentiation of hMSCs and hence, would be beneficial for neural tissue engineering scaffolds.
Highlights
Bionanotechnology presents a revolutionary new approach to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
Gold nanorods were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and containing free amine groups were layered on a plastic plasma treated surface
The AuNRs were evaluated as a suitable substrate for neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
Summary
Bionanotechnology presents a revolutionary new approach to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The therapeutic action of regenerative devices is a function of their chemistry profile, which factors into their control and enhancement of the tissue regeneration process[2,3] This essential chemistry profile facilitates the selection process of loading the necessary components within the biocompatible substrate[4]. Yong et al.[11] claimed that the laser-induced heating of AuNRs can stimulate electrical activity in auditory neurons They demonstrated this by incubating rat primary auditory neurons with a medium culture containing silica-coated AuNRs and silica-coated gold nanospheres. The incubated cells were exposed to a near-infrared laser at 780 nm to stimulate the primary neurons Even though these procedures demonstrate the potential of AuNRs in generating a neural response, the methods are not adequate for preparing a 2D substrate and a 3D scaffold. The studies described above, do not provide real data about the interaction between the cell membrane and the substrate, since this interaction is based on cellular encapsulation of the AuNRs rather than cellular adherence
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