Forever Young: How to Control the Elongation, Differentiation, and Proliferation of Cells Using Nanotechnology

Abstract

Within the emerging field of stem cells there is a need for an environment that can regulate cell activity, to slow down differentiation or proliferation, in vitro or in vivo while remaining invisible to the immune system. By creating a nanoenvironment surrounding PC12 cells, Schwann cells, and neural precursor cells (NPCs), we were able to control the proliferation, elongation, differentiation, and maturation in vitro. We extended the method, using self-assembling nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS), to living animals with implants in the brain and spinal cord. Here we show that when cells are placed in a defined system we can delay their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation depending on the density of the cell population, density of the matrix, and the local environment. A combination of SAPNS and young cells can be implanted into the central nervous system (CNS), eliminating the need for immunosuppressants.

Does the tissue engineering architecture of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) scaffold affects cell–material interactions?

“…Evidently, scaffolds have to provide a space for new tissue formation and mimic many characteristics of natural extracellular matrices (ECM). 4,5 To achieve this goal, scaffolds should possess both proper mechanical properties and a biodegradation rate that does not cause undesirable by-products. In addition, pore size, shape, and distribution in the scaffold have to match the needs of the new tissue.…”

Application of glycidol in synthesis of oligoetherols with perhydro‐1,3,5‐triazine ring

“…Commonly, the ideal and appropriate scaffold for tissue regeneration should possess a number of critical properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability with controllable degradation kinetics, ease of fabrication, and sufficient mechanical strength. Therefore, scaffold designing is essential for the functionality of the engineered tissue 4–7. Within the field of tissue engineering, there are many methods under development for scaffolds and material fabrication, with increasing interest on the production of substrates that have optimal performance for cell–scaffold interactions.…”

“…Another critical element consists in the regulation of interactions between cells and scaffolds. Evidently, scaffolds have to provide a space for new tissue formation and mimic many characteristics of natural extracellular matrices (ECM) 4, 5. To achieve this goal, scaffolds should possess both proper mechanical properties and a biodegradation rate that does not cause undesirable by‐products.…”

Comparison between self‐assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS) and fibrin sealant in neurosurgical hemostasis

“…It consists of ionic self‐complementary oligopeptides that would undergo spontaneous assembly when exposed to physiologic conditions. The resultant hydrogel is highly porous and provides a three‐dimensional nanofiber scaffold that can potentially facilitate axonal regrowth and repopulation . Interestingly, RADA16‐I can also stop bleeding upon self‐assembly .…”

“…Th e resultant hydrogel is highly porous and provides a three-dimensional nanofi ber scaff old that can potentially facilitate axonal regrowth and repopulation. [4][5][6] Interestingly, RADA16-I can also stop bleeding upon self-assembly. 7 Since it is nontoxic, nonimmunogenic and biodegradable, RADA16-I is potentially fi t for clincal use.…”