In vitro and in vivo evaluation of silk fibroin functionalized with GABA and allopregnanolone for Schwann cell and neuron survival. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gennari, Chiara GM; Cilurzo, Francesco; Mitro, Nico; Caruso, Donatella; Minghetti, Paola; Magnaghi, Valerio
• Is Part Of: Regenerative medicine. Volume 13:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: 2D scaffold -- fibroin -- neuroactive steroid -- peripheral nervous system -- Schwann cell; Cellular therapy -- Periodicals; Stem cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; Degeneration (Pathology) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Regeneration (Biology) -- Periodicals; 611.018
• DOI: 10.2217/rme-2017-0102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0751

Abstract

Aim: This in vitro and in vivo study reports on silk fibroin (SF) scaffold, functionalized for in situ delivery of GABA and/or allopregnanolone (ALLO), as biomaterial for potential application in tissue engineering and nerve regeneration.Materials & methods: We evaluated the feasibility to design 2D scaffolds (films) made of regenerated Bombyx mori SF, functionalized with GABA and/or ALLO to enhance in vitro biological functions, health, survival and growth of Schwann cells and sensitive neurons of the dorsal root ganglia.Results & conclusion: Our 2D-SF film showed an efficient loading and controllable release of drugs promoting nerve regeneration. SF functionalized film may be helpful for the development of bioengineered conduits and, in principle, have great potential for long-gap nerve injury repair. Graphical abstract: A 2D-silk fibroin scaffold, made of regenerated Bombyx mori, is modified by adding polyethylene glycol and glycerin as plasticizers, giving suitable mechanical properties and optimal biocompatibility. It is functionalized with GABA and/or allopregnanolone to enhance biological functions, health and growth of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglia neurons. It is a novel biomaterial for potential use in tissue engineering and nerve regeneration.