Neurite Outgrowth on Electrospun PLLA Fibers is Enhanced by Exogenous Electrical Stimulation

Abstract

Objective. Both electrical stimuli (endogenous and exogenous) and topographical cues are instructive to axonal extension. This report, for the first time, investigated the relative dominance of directional topographical guidance cues and directional electrical cues to enhance and/or direct primary neurite extension. We hypothesized the combination of electrical stimulation with electrospun fiber topography would induce longer neurite extension from dorsal root ganglia neurons than the presence of electrical stimulation or aligned topography alone. Approach. To test the hypothesis, neurite outgrowth was examined on laminin-coated poly-L-lactide films or electrospun fibers (2 μm in diameter) in the presence or absence of electrical stimulation. Immunostained neurons were semi-automatically traced using Neurolucida software and morphology was evaluated. Main results. Neurite extension increased 74% on the aligned fibers compared to film controls. Stimulation alone increased outgrowth by 32% on films or fibers relative to unstimulated film controls. The co-presentation of topographical (fibers) with biophysical (electrical stimulation) cues resulted in a synergistic 126% increase in outgrowth relative to unstimulated film controls. Field polarity had no influence on the directionality of neurites, indicating topographical cues are responsible for guiding neurite extension. Significance. Both cues (electrical stimulation and fiber geometry) are modular in nature and can be synergistically applied in conjunction with other commonmethods in regenerative medicine such as controlled release of growth factors to further influence axonal growth in vivo. The combined application of electrical and aligned fiber topographical guidance cues described herein, if translated in vivo, could provide a more supportive environment for directed and robust axonal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Comments

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Grant 1R01EB013281

Keywords and Phrases

Aligned topography; Dc; Electrical stimulation; Electrospun fibers; Nerve regeneration; Neurite outgrowth; Schwann cells

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1741-2552; 1741-2560

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 IOP Publishing, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Aug 2014

PubMed ID

24891494

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS