Chemotactic TEG3 Cells’ Guiding Platforms Based on PLA Fibers Functionalized With the SDF-1α/CXCL12 Chemokine for Neural Regeneration Therapy

Abstract

(Following spinal cord injury, olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach in promoting functional improvement. Some studies report that the migratory properties of OECs are compromised by inhibitory molecules and potentiated by chemical concentration differences. Here we compare the attachment, morphology, and directionality of an OEC-derived cell line, TEG3 cells, seeded on functionalized nanoscale meshes of Poly(l/dl-lactic acid; PLA) nanofibers. The size of the nanofibers has a strong effect on TEG3 cell adhesion and migration, with the PLA nanofibers having a 950 nm diameter being the ones that show the best results. TEG3 cells are capable of adopting a bipolar morphology on 950 nm fiber surfaces, as well as a highly dynamic behavior in migratory terms. Finally, we observe that functionalized nanofibers, with a chemical concentration increment of SDF-1α/CXCL12, strongly enhance the migratory characteristics of TEG3 cells over inhibitory substrates.

A Dexamethasone-Loaded Polymeric Electrospun Construct as a Tubular Cardiovascular Implant

“…As for the PLGA constructs, the average diameter for our constructs was around 342 nm, which was in the range of a study where PLGA (50:50) [38] or PLGA (75:25) was used [39]. However, in the study of Castaño et al where 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol was used as a solvent system of 3-9% w/w PLA, various PLA nanofibers were obtained ranging from 350 to 1300 nm [40].…”