Chen Yang
Boston University, Boston MA 02215 USA
Title: Nanoladders for Directional Axonal Outgrowth and Functional Regeneration
Biography
Biography: Chen Yang
Abstract
Disruption of nerve connections between the brain and the rest of the body caused by spinal cord injury could result in paralysis. Recovery is challenging due to failure in spontaneous neural regeneration. None of current clinical treatment targets neural regeneration and only limited functional recovery has been reported. Nanomaterials have been harnessed to promote neuronal growth in vitro. In this work, we present a new nanomaterial scaffold, interfacing and stimulating neural systems mechanically. Specifically, inspired by the hierarchically organized axon bundles in the spinal cord, we developed a “nanoladder” structure composed of a longitudinal micrometer-diameter fiber and multiple nanoscale protrusions to both guide macroscale neural growth and facilitate neurite formation at the subcellular level. Directional and promoted neurite growth is shown on the nanoladder structure. Directional growth and functional connection of organotypic spinal slices are confirmed through fluorescence labeled imaging and electrophysiology measurements on the nanoladder platform. We also demonstrated that such nanoladder concept can be used to further create self-folded 3D scaffolds for in vivo studies and clinical tests.