Morphologically and chemically modified plano-concave fibers (PCFs) are designed as a unit of guided channels for supporting Schwann cells to facilitate mass transport and promote nerve regeneration. The surface-modified PCFs are imprinted with linearly patterned grooves (LPGs) to guide adherent Schwann cell elongation and axon extension. After being cocultured with PC12 neuron-like cells, Schwann cells differentiate into the myelinated type and interact with PC12 axons. The myelinated axons aggregate as a linear bundle and extend along the direction of LPGs on a PCF. The cross section of a myelin structure is examined using a transmission electron microscope. The PCFs can potentially bridge gaps in injured nerves, improving the therapeutic efficacy of nerve regeneration.
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.