Local Release of Paclitaxel from Aligned, Electrospun Microfibers Promotes Axonal Extension

Traumatic spinal cord injuries create an environment that stops axons from regenerating. Paclitaxel, in low doses, can help axons extend and reduce inhibitory molecules after a spinal cord injury. This study uses electrospun microfibers made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) to deliver paclitaxel locally. The aligned microfibers promote neurite extension even in environments that usually prevent it. The findings show that this method could be a targeted way to help axons grow across the inhibitory environment that forms after a spinal cord injury.

• 1
  Paclitaxel can be incorporated into electrospun PLA microfibers without modifying their alignment and fiber shape.
• 2
  A local release of paclitaxel from electrospun fibers, in a concentration-dependent manner, remains active to promote neurite extension after release by stabilizing microtubule formation.
• 3
  Incorporated paclitaxel in PLA microfibers can maintain neuronal survival and promote neurite extension under growth-conducive conditions as well as inhibitory conditions similar to that after an SCI.