Nanoscale Biomimetic Materials for Nerve Regeneration
Biomimetic materials such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) can replicate cellular features. The Schwann cell on the left is real; the cell on the right is a replica. In the center is an impression, taken from a real cell, that is used in a two-part molding process. Figure adapted from Bruder et al. 2006
Schwann cell (SC) topography alone can orient the growth of neurons and SC from neonatal dorsal root ganglion. When plated on biomimetic material that has SC topography, both neurons and SC extend neurites (red) and processes (green) in the direction of an underlying pattern. Adapted from Bruder et al.2007.
Successful nerve regeneration requires directed nerve growth. The goal of this project is to determine systematically the critical cues needed to guide nerves, thus providing essential information for new strategies for nerve regeneration. Dr. Diane Hoffman-Kim's group has developed a set of materials that are biomimetic and can replicate cellular shapes at the nanoscale. Significantly, the group can produce nanostructures "by design", where the design is motivated by and directly incorporates the biological structure. Ongoing work is focused on the key pattern features required for nerve growth.