Induction of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells by Using Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films Functionalized Hydrogel with Control Growth Factor Release

Stroke, spinal cord and brain injury often result in cavity formation. Stem cell transplantation in combination with scaffold has the possibility to fill such a cavity and replace lost neurons. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are a possible candidate for advancing development and lineage control on neural engineering and neural disease repair. Besides, hydrogel such as hyaluronic acid or alginate showed the potential to use on the repair of spinal cord or brain injury based on the good mechanical properties, however, it does not support cell attachment and need modification. Critical components of successful neural network engineering include controlled neurite outgrowth guidance, the development of neuron on specific artificial substrates, and the formation of functional synapses at the synaptic junctions. In our previous studies, we have developed and proofed the niches control on NSPCs differentiation by using polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films. Therefore, it is suggested that the nature PEM could be used to modify the bio-properties of hydrogel. By the variation of hydrogel concentration and PEM layers could regulate the neurite outgrowth and neuron percentage. Herein, a PEM functionalized hydrogel system will be fabricated in this proposed research and the animal study of stoke model will be developed and determined. The duration of this project is planned for 3 years. In the first year, a PEM functionalized hydrogel system will be fabricated and the surface properties variation on hydrogel scaffold will be characterized. Also, the surface properties variation such as charge, thickness, hydrophilic properties, roughness, and stiffness will be determined by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle instrument, and ellipsometry. In addition, layer by layer PEM films will also be combined with growth factor control release and to enhance the NSPCs induction. In the second year, a series of bioassays includes neurite outgrowth, differentiation percentage, signal transduction, and signal pathway will be analyzed. In addition, the neural network components of synapse formation, synapses functionality, and neurontransmitter release will also be estimated. In the third year, the rodent stroke model will be developed, the animal behavior investigation and bioassays after implant will be characterized. Since hydrogel is similar with the nature brain structure and the bio-properties could be modified with PEM films, PEM functionalized hydrogel will be a suitable candidate to establish a successful neural network and to be use on the repair of brain injury.

Project ID:PB10408-5729
External Project ID:MOST104-2221-E182-019