Polysaccharide-modified scaffolds for controlled lentivirus delivery in vitro and after spinal cord injury

J Control Release, 2013 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.06.013 · Published: September 28, 2013

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on improving gene delivery to promote tissue regeneration, specifically in the context of spinal cord injuries, using biomaterials modified with polysaccharides. The researchers modified PLG scaffolds with chitosan, heparin, and hyaluronan to enhance lentivirus binding and transduction efficiency, both in vitro and in vivo. The modified scaffolds showed increased lentivirus retention and improved transgene expression, leading to enhanced axon growth and myelination in a mouse spinal cord injury model.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

C57Bl6 female mice (20g, Charles River), n = 4 per scaffold and time-point

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Chitosan and heparin modification of PLG scaffolds significantly enhanced lentivirus association and transduction efficiency in vitro compared to hyaluronan and control scaffolds.
2
Polysaccharide-modified scaffolds prolonged lentivirus retention and extended the half-life of viral activity, contributing to increased transgene expression.
3
In vivo, polysaccharide-modified PLG bridges delivering lentivirus to injured mouse spinal cords resulted in sustained transgene expression, enhanced axon growth, and myelination.

Research Summary

The study investigates the use of polysaccharide-modified PLG scaffolds for controlled lentivirus delivery to enhance tissue regeneration, particularly in spinal cord injuries. Surface modification with chitosan and heparin improved lentivirus retention, prolonged viral activity, and increased transduction efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. The application of these modified scaffolds in a mouse spinal cord injury model demonstrated sustained transgene expression and enhanced axon regeneration, suggesting their potential for regenerative medicine.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Gene Therapy

Polysaccharide modification can improve the efficiency of gene delivery using lentiviral vectors.

Regenerative Medicine

The scaffolds promote tissue regeneration in spinal cord injuries through enhanced axon growth and myelination.

Biomaterial Design

Surface modification strategies offer a way to enhance biomaterial functionality for targeted therapeutic applications.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on a specific mouse spinal cord injury model, limiting generalizability.
2
The long-term effects of transgene expression and tissue regeneration require further investigation.
3
The specific mechanisms of polysaccharide-lentivirus interaction need further elucidation.

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