Chemotactic TEG3 Cells' Guiding Platforms Based on PLA Fibers Functionalized With the SDF-1α/CXCL12 Chemokine for Neural Regeneration Therapy

(Following spinal cord injury, olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach in promoting functional improvement. Some studies report that the migratory properties of OECs are compromised by inhibitory molecules and potentiated by chemical concentration differences. Here we compare the attachment, morphology, and directionality of an OEC-derived cell line, TEG3 cells, seeded on functionalized nanoscale meshes of Poly(l/dl-lactic acid; PLA) nanofibers. The size of the nanofibers has a strong effect on TEG3 cell adhesion and migration, with the PLA nanofibers having a 950 nm diameter being the ones that show the best results. TEG3 cells are capable of adopting a bipolar morphology on 950 nm fiber surfaces, as well as a highly dynamic behavior in migratory terms. Finally, we observe that functionalized nanofibers, with a chemical concentration increment of SDF-1 alpha/CXCL12, strongly enhance the migratory characteristics of TEG3 cells over inhibitory substrates.

Automated summary

After spinal cord injury, transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) has shown potential in promoting functional improvement. Studies have found that the migratory properties of OECs are influenced by inhibitory molecules and chemical concentration differences. Research comparing the behavior of TEG3 cells seeded on functionalized nanoscale meshes of Poly(l/dl-lactic acid; PLA) nanofibers showed that 950 nm diameter PLA nanofibers had the best results in terms of cell adhesion and migration. Additionally, functionalized nanofibers with a chemical concentration increment of SDF-1 alpha/CXCL12 greatly enhanced the migratory characteristics of TEG3 cells over inhibitory substrates.