Favorable Biological Responses of Neural Cells and Tissue Interacting with Graphene Oxide Microﬁbers

ACS Omega, 2017 · DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b01354 · Published: November 21, 2017

Simple Explanation

The study explores the use of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) microfibers as a potential substrate for neural growth and repair in damaged neural tissue, such as spinal cord injuries. The microfibers are coated with adhesive molecules (poly-L-lysine and N-cadherin) to support the growth of neurons and glial cells. In vivo studies show that these rGO microfibers can be implanted in the injured rat spinal cord without causing evident signs of subacute local toxicity, suggesting their potential for enhancing repair in damaged neural tissue.

Study Duration

21 days in vitro, 10 days in vivo

Participants

Rat embryonic neural progenitor cells (ENPCs), rat meningeal fibroblasts, adult male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

In vitro and in vivo study

Key Findings

1
rGO microfibers, when coated with neural adhesive molecules, support the formation of highly interconnected cultures of neurons and glial cells in vitro.
2
N-cadherin coating significantly hinders the colonization of the microfibers by meningeal fibroblasts, which are detrimental for neural regeneration.
3
In vivo implantation of rGO microfibers in the injured rat spinal cord is feasible and does not cause evident signs of subacute local toxicity.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) microfibers as substrates for neural tissue engineering, particularly for spinal cord injury repair. The rGO microfibers were fabricated and characterized, then coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) and N-cadherin to enhance neural cell adhesion. In vitro studies demonstrated that these coated microfibers support neural cell growth and synapse formation. In vivo experiments in a rat spinal cord injury model showed that the microfibers could be implanted without signs of toxicity, suggesting their potential for neural repair.

Practical Implications

Neural Tissue Engineering

rGO microfibers offer a promising platform for creating advanced biomaterials to treat neural diseases, especially spinal cord injuries.

Selective Cell Growth

N-cadherin coating can be used to selectively promote neural cell growth while hindering the growth of fibroblasts, improving the regenerative environment.

In Vivo Compatibility

The feasible implantation and lack of subacute toxicity suggest that rGO microfibers are biocompatible and can be further developed for long-term in vivo applications.

Study Limitations

1
The study only assesses subacute (10-day) tissue responses in vivo; longer implantation times are needed to evaluate chronic effects.
2
The mechanism by which rGO microfibers influence the balance between neurons and non-neuronal cells requires further investigation.
3
The study did not explore the potential benefits of electrical stimulation using these conductive microfibers, which could further enhance neural regeneration.

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