Neural Regen Res, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.16.002 · Published: June 1, 2013
This study explores how scaffolds made with nanotechnology can affect the behavior of cells, specifically neural stem cells. These scaffolds can influence cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, which are important for tissue repair. The researchers used aligned and randomly oriented collagen nanofiber scaffolds, created with electronic spinning technology. They examined how these scaffolds impacted the growth, death, and specialization of spinal cord-derived neural stem cells. The findings suggest that these novel nanofiber scaffolds can help neural stem cells multiply and prevent cell death without causing them to differentiate. This is achieved by the scaffolds changing gene expression within the cells.
The nanometer scaffolds show promise for spinal cord tissue engineering due to their ability to promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.
The study highlights the importance of scaffold properties like porosity and swelling ratio for cell adhesion and proliferation.
Nanofiber scaffolds can regulate apoptosis and proliferation in neural stem cells by altering gene expression, offering a potential therapeutic approach.