| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 化學工程學研究所 === 106 === Surface morphology and external stimuli can generate physicochemical changes that influence proliferation and differentiation of neural cells. Since Pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) tend to differentiate into neuron-like cells with nerve growth factor (NGF), we used PC12 as a model for neural differentiated research.
For electrical stimulation to PC12, we used PEDOT:PSS as a main polymer in our material. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a π-conjugated polymer which is known to be conductive such as polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PT), polyaniline (PANI). Also, PEDOT has already been widely used in biomaterials.
We fabricated aligned and random PEDOT:PSS nanofibers by electrospinning process which is recognized as an efficient approach for the production of nanoscale fibrous mats. It provides large surface areas and highly aligned direction suitable for neuron extension. Furthermore, electrical stimulation (ES) of neurons has also been shown to lead neurite outgrowth according to many research. In this research, we electrospun aligned and random nanofibers to observe the morphological impact on PC12 growth. Also, aligned nanofibers which were electrospun for 10, 20, and 40 min respectively were used to investigate the influence of conductive mesh on PC12 cells under electrical stimulation.
Our results demonstrated that PC12 cells on aligned topography predominantly displayed bipolar neurites along the direction of the nanofibers. On the other hand, PC12 cells on flat surface and random nanofibers produced numerous neurites. We could conclude that morphology plays an important role on the outgrowth of neurites. Also, as we increase the electrospinning time of aligned nanofibers, the neurites outgrowth of PC12 are more obvious compared to the PC12 which are not exposed to electrical. Therefore, our data suggests that both nano-fibrous morphology and electrical stimulation support neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation.
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