Abstract
Electroactive materials have been investigated as next-generation neuronal tissue engineering scaffolds to enhance neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after brain injury. Graphene, an emerging neuronal scaffold material with charge transfer properties, has shown promising results for neuronal cell survival and differentiation in vitro. In this in vivo work, electrospun microfiber scaffolds coated with self-assembled colloidal graphene, were implanted into the striatum or into the subventricular zone of adult rats. Microglia and astrocyte activation levels were suppressed with graphene functionalization. In addition, self-assembled graphene implants prevented glial scarring in the brain 7 weeks following implantation. Astrocyte guidance within the scaffold and redirection of neuroblasts from the subventricular zone along the implants was also demonstrated. These findings provide new functional evidence for the potential use of graphene scaffolds as a therapeutic platform to support central nervous system regeneration.
Highlights
Neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after brain injury and degenerative disease are limited due to inhibitory molecules at the lesion site [1,2], lack of trophic support, in the case of significant tissue loss [3], and the post-mitotic stage of adult neurons [4]
Microglia/macrophage were markedly lower in gP6 groups by Week 3 compared to P6 implants, of which no glial scarring was observed in the surrounding tissue
Different surface functionalization chemistries had no effect on the onset time of astrocyte activation
Summary
Neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after brain injury and degenerative disease are limited due to inhibitory molecules at the lesion site [1,2], lack of trophic support, in the case of significant tissue loss [3], and the post-mitotic stage of adult neurons [4]. To promote neuronal regeneration under inhibitory conditions, tissue engineering scaffolds need to provide a supportive micro-environment to encourage endogenous nerve migration, while controlling inflammatory cell infiltration. Many recent engineered scaffolds have been manufactured as physical forms of nano- or micro-fibers and hydrogels [5,6,7,8,9], with the intent to mimic the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0151589. Graphene Scaffolds Reduce Inflammation in the Brain. Many recent engineered scaffolds have been manufactured as physical forms of nano- or micro-fibers and hydrogels [5,6,7,8,9], with the intent to mimic the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0151589 March 15, 2016
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