engleski

In vitro platform for screening the potential use of supramolecular gels to support neural stem cells as a treatment in a mouse model of brain ischemic stroke

Hydrogel materials that closely mimic the three-dimensional extracellular matrix are considered to be ideal for cell and tissue scaffolding applications. The dynamic nature of the noncovalent hydrogels fibril network allows the hydrogel material to spontaneously adjust to the surrounding environment and the cells to migrate through the matrix. One such supramolecular gel, the self-assembling peptide (SAPeptide) hydrogel, is spontaneously producing a hydrogel material under physiological conditions and surrounds cells in a manner similar to the extracellular matrix. To test the potential usage of such supramolecular gels in brain, and their further use in combination with neural stem cells in vivo during the post ischemic brain repair, we developed an in vitro platform for biocompatibility assay. First we have monitored the proliferation and survival of HEK293 cells encapsulated in such gels by using MTT assay, pico green assay and Live/Dead® Cytotoxicity assay. We are currently screening the survival, proliferation and potential for differentiation of neural stem cells upon encapsulation. We then intend to test the immunogenic response of brain to SAPepetide hydrogels by monitoring the activation of adult brain microglia cells cocultured with encapsulated neural stem cells. When proven to be biocompatible with those cells, and permissive for neural cells differentiation, such gels will be transplanted into brain in combination with neural stem cells in a mouse model of ischemic stoke to improve the brain repair.

supramolecular gels; tissue engineering; regenerative medicine; brain ischemic stroke

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