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Influence of alginate cross-linking method on neurite response to microencapsulated neurotrophin-producing fibroblasts
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Influence of alginate cross-linking method on neurite response to microencapsulated neurotrophin-producing fibroblasts

Nicola L. Francis, Mihir S. Shanbhag, Itzhak Fischer and Margaret A. Wheatley
Journal of microencapsulation, v 28(5), pp 353-362
01 Jan 2011
PMID: 21736520

Abstract

Chemistry Chemistry, Applied Engineering Engineering, Chemical Life Sciences & Biomedicine Pharmacology & Pharmacy Physical Sciences Science & Technology Technology
Transplantation of cells genetically modified to produce neurotrophins is a promising spinal cord repair strategy. Previously we showed that fibroblasts engineered to produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Fb/BDNF) microencapsulated in alginate survive, continue to grow and express bioactive BDNF. We here compared the effects of different alginate crosslinkers on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurite growth using alginate-encapsulated Fb/BDNF. Aqueous sodium alginate (+/-Fb/BDNF) was contacted with different calcium salts, and used as substrate for DRG growth. Length, number and orientation of neurites were measured. Chloride or carbonate salts promoted significantly more neurite growth than sulphate, with or without Fb/BDNF, although encapsulated Fb/BDNF stimulated significantly more neurite growth than cell-free. An Fb/BDNF-derived neurotrophin concentration gradient directionally guided DRG neurite growth. This positive effect of alginate-encapsulated Fb/BDNF on neurite growth/guidance shows promise for enhanced regeneration and guidance of axons towards a specific target in the injured spinal cord.

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Web of Science research areas
Chemistry, Applied
Engineering, Chemical
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
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