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Combination of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffold and PLGA Microspheres for Supporting Survival of Neural Stem Cells

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ABSTRACT

Purpose

To develop a biomaterial composite for promoting proliferation and migration of neural stem cells (NSCs), as well as angiogenesis on the materials, to rescue central nervous system (CNS) injuries.

Methods

A delivery system was constructed based on cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, containing embedded BDNF and VEGF-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres for controlled delivery and support for NSCs in the CNS. The surface morphologies were evaluated by SEM and AFM, mechanical property was investigated by rheological tests, and release kinetics were performed by ELISA. Bioactivity of released BDNF and VEGF was assessed by neuron and endothelial cell culture, respectively. Compatibility with NSCs was studied by immunofluorescent staining.

Results

Release kinetics showed the delivery of BDNF and VEGF from PLGA microspheres and HA hydrogel composite were sustainable and stable, releasing ~20–30% within 150 h. The bioactivities preserved well to promote survival and growth of the cells. Evaluation of structure and mechanical properties showed the hydrogel composite possessed an elastic scaffold structure. Biocompatibility assay showed NSCs adhered and proliferated well on the hydrogel.

Conclusions

Our created HA hydrogel/PLGA microsphere systems have a good potential for controlled delivery of varied biofactors and supporting NSCs for brain repair and implantation.

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Abbreviations

BDNF:

brain-derived neurotrophic factor

CNS:

central nervous system

ECM:

extracellular matrix

HA:

Hyaluronic acid

NSC:

neural stem cell

PLGA:

poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)

VEGF:

vascular endothelial growth factor

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the NSFC (No.30670656, No.50973052, No.30911120495, No.81070977) and the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No.2005CB623905, No.2010CB606205) for support of funding.

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Correspondence to Qun Yuan Xu or Fu Zhai Cui.

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Wang, Y., Wei, Y.T., Zu, Z.H. et al. Combination of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffold and PLGA Microspheres for Supporting Survival of Neural Stem Cells. Pharm Res 28, 1406–1414 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0452-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0452-3

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