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Liu J, Zou T, Zhang Y, Koh J, Li H, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang C. Three-dimensional electroconductive carbon nanotube-based hydrogel scaffolds enhance neural differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 138:212868. [PMID: 35913250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The radical treatment of neurological impairments remains a major clinical challenge. Stem cells with high neural differentiation ability delivered by electroconductive hydrogel scaffolds have demonstrated promising applications in neural tissue regeneration. However, there are still challenges in designing bioactive scaffolds with good biocompatibility, appropriate electrical conductivity, and neurogenic niche. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) electroconductive gelatin methacryloyl-multi-walled carbon nanotube/cobalt (GelMA-MWCNTs/Co) hydrogel scaffold was fabricated by incorporating MWCNTs/Co composites into a GelMA hydrogel matrix. The surface morphology, pore size, elastic modulus, swelling ratio, and conductivity of the hydrogels were measured. GelMA-MWCNTs/Co exhibited higher electrical conductivity than GelMA-MWCNTs. Live/dead and CCK8 assays demonstrated the good biocompatibility of the hydrogel for stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) growth and differentiation. The cells encapsulated in the GelMA-MWCNTs and GelMA-MWCNTs/Co hydrogel scaffolds exhibited significant neuronal cell-like changes and a notable level of neuronal-specific marker expression after the electrical stimulation (ES) for 7 days, compared to that in the hydrogels without ES. Notably, the neurite spreading and Tuj1 fluorescent intensity of the SCAP in the electrically conductive GelMA-MWCNTs/Co hydrogel were more prominent compared to those of the other two groups. In addition, the 3D conductive hydrogel scaffolds advanced the neural differentiation of SCAP to an earlier time point. Considering these aspects, the novel electroconductive GelMA-MWCNTs/Co hydrogel synergized with ES greatly promotes SCAP neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Liu
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhao Koh
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongwen Li
- Department of Dentistry, Longgang ENT Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Longgang Institute of Stomatology, Longgang, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of VIP Center, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Straits Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China..
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