Synthetic 3D PEG-Anisogels tailored with fibronectin fragments induce aligned nerve extension.

Synthetic 3D PEG-Anisogels tailored with fibronectin fragments induce aligned nerve extension. Biomacromolecules. 2019 Oct 15;: Authors: Licht C, Rose J, Omidinia Anarkoli A, Blondel D, Roccio M, Haraszti T, Gehlen DB, Hubbell JA, Lutolf MP, De Laporte L Abstract An enzymatically crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel was engineered to promote and align nerve cells in a three-dimensional manner. To render the injectable, otherwise bioinert, PEG-based material supportive for cell growth, its mechanical and biochemical properties were optimized. A recombinant fibronectin fragment (FNIII9* 10/12 14) was coupled to the PEG backbone during gelation to provide cell adhesive and growth factor binding domains in a close vicinity. Compared to full-length fibronectin, FNIII9* 10/12 14 supports nerve growth at similar concentrations. In a 3D environment, only the ultrasoft 1 wt% PEG hydrogels with a storage modulus of ~10 Pa promoted neuronal growth. This gel was used to establish the first fully synthetic, injectable Anisogel by the addition of magnetically aligned microelements, such as rod-shaped microgels or short fibers. The Anisogel led to linear neurite extension and represents a large step in the direction of clinical translation with the opportunity to treat acute spinal cord injuries. PMID: 31614080 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biomacromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biomacromolecules Source Type: research