Back to Search Start Over

Peripheral Neuron Survival and Outgrowth on Graphene.

Authors :
Convertino D
Luin S
Marchetti L
Coletti C
Source :
Frontiers in neuroscience [Front Neurosci] 2018 Jan 22; Vol. 12, pp. 1. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Jan 22 (Print Publication: 2018).
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Graphene displays properties that make it appealing for neuroregenerative medicine, yet its interaction with peripheral neurons has been scarcely investigated. Here, we culture on graphene two established models for peripheral neurons: PC12 cells and DRG primary neurons. We perform a nano-resolved analysis of polymeric coatings on graphene and combine optical microscopy and viability assays to assess the material cytocompatibility and influence on differentiation. We find that differentiated PC12 cells display a remarkably increased neurite length on graphene (up to 27%) with respect to controls. Notably, DRG primary neurons survive both on bare and coated graphene. They present dense axonal networks on coated graphene, while they form cell islets characterized by dense axonal bundles on uncoated graphene. These findings indicate that graphene holds potential for nerve tissue regeneration and might pave the road to novel concepts of active nerve conduits.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1662-4548
Volume :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Frontiers in neuroscience
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29403346
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00001