Polymeric scaffolds for three-dimensional culture of nerve cells: a model of peripheral nerve regeneration
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iomaterials for 3D Cell Biology Prospective Article
Polymeric scaffolds for three-dimensional culture of nerve cells: a model of peripheral nerve regeneration Radamés Ayala-Caminero, Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, USA Luis Pinzón-Herrera, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, USA Carol A. Rivera Martinez, Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, USA Jorge Almodovar, Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, USA Address all correspondence to J. Almodovar at [email protected] (Received 12 April 2017; accepted 28 August 2017)
Abstract Understanding peripheral nerve repair requires the evaluation of three-dimensional (3D) structures that serve as platforms for 3D cell culture. Multiple platforms for 3D cell culture have been developed, mimicking peripheral nerve growth and function, in order to study tissue repair or diseases. To recreate an appropriate 3D environment for peripheral nerve cells, key factors are to be considered, including selection of cells, polymeric biomaterials to be used, and fabrication techniques to shape and form the 3D scaffolds for cellular culture. This review focuses on polymeric 3D platforms used for the development of 3D peripheral nerve cell cultures.
Introduction All species experience a reaction to a given action; be it physical, chemical, and/or physiological. The reaction could be a visible change, or something occurring at the molecular level. The nervous system is the platform that communicates, transfers, and integrates the details for regulation and control of each of their biologic actions, reactions, and intermediate events. This occurs via a dedicated set of cells (e.g., neurons and glial cells) that together constitute the neuron fibers, fascicles, nerve ramifications, and overall nervous system that interconnects everything in the body. A nerve may be damaged due to severe nerve injury (neurotmesis or axonotmesis)[1] or neurodegenerative diseases (peripheral neuropathy),[2] both requiring medical intervention. Currently, healing and recovery of the nerves’ fundamental performance remains limited: even with a successful nerve reconstruction resulting from an autologous nerve transplantation. Autologous nerve transplantation is the first line therapy (the “gold standard”) as it is ready to address complicated nerve gaps resulting from a serious wound. It is non-immunogenic, and provides an immediate nerve bridge that contains viable Schwann cells (SCs) and crucial signaling molecules involved in axonal renewal. However, there are multiple limitations in the use of autografts, including the potential need for a second surgery, the scar and/or neuroma formation
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