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Abstract

Growth factors [basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and/or nerve growth factor (NGF)]-immobilized polycaprolactone (PCL)/ Pluronic F127 microspheres were prepared using an isolated particulate-melting method and the sequential binding of heparin and growth factors (GFs) onto the microspheres. The GFs immobilized on the microspheres were released in a sustained manner over 28 days, regardless of GF type. From the in vitro culture of muscle derived stem cells, it was observed that the NGF-immobilized microspheres induced more neurogenic differentiation than the bFGF-immobilized microspheres as evidenced by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction using specific neurogenic markers (Nestin, GFAP, �²-tubulin and MAP2) and Western blot (markers, Nestin and �²-tubulin)] analyses. The dual bFGF/NGF-immobilized microspheres showed better neurogenic differentiation than the microspheres immobilized with single bFGF or NGF. From the preliminary animal study, the dual bFGF/NGF-immobilized microsphere group also showed effective nerve regeneration as evaluated by immunocytochemistry using a marker, �²-tubulin. The dual bFGF/NGF-immobilized PCL/Pluronic F127 microspheres may be a promising candidate for nerve regeneration in certain target tissues (i.e., muscles) leading to sufficient reinnervation.

Biography

Jin Ho Lee was graduated from the University of Utah, USA with PhD degree in 1988. He has worked at Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) as a Senior Research Scientist from 1988 to 1993. Since 1993, he is a Professor in Hannam University, Korea. He was a President of Korean Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society (KTERMS) (2012). He was selected as a Fellow within the TERMIS in 2015. His recent research area includes stem cells/ biocompatible polymer hybrid materials (scaffolds, membranes, microparticles and hydrogels) for tissue regenerations such as cartilage, bone, tendon, muscle, trachea, vocal fold and nerves.

Email: jhlee@hnu.kr