Injectable 2D flexible hydrogel sheets for optoelectrical/biochemical dual stimulation of neurons

Jordi Amagat, Christoph Alexander Müller, Bjarke Nørrehvedde Jensen, Xuya Xiong, Yingchun Su, Natasja Porskjær Christensen, Alice Le Friec, Mingdong Dong, Ying Fang, Menglin Chen

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Major challenges in developing implanted neural stimulation devices are the invasiveness, complexity, and cost of the implantation procedure. Here, we report an injectable, nanofibrous 2D flexible hydrogel sheet-based neural stimulation device that can be non-invasively implanted via syringe injection for optoelectrical and biochemical dual stimulation of neuron. Specifically, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)/alginate hydrogel nanofibers were mechanically reinforced with a poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) core by coaxial electrospinning. The lubricant hydrogel shell enabled not only injectability, but also facile incorporation of functional nanomaterials and bioactives. The nanofibers loaded with photocatatlytic g-C 3N 4/GO nanoparticles were capable of stimulating neural cells via blue light, with a significant 36.3 % enhancement in neurite extension. Meanwhile, the nerve growth factor (NGF) loaded nanofibers supported a sustained release of NGF with well-maintained function to biochemically stimulate neural differentiation. We have demonstrated the capability of an injectable, hydrogel nanofibrous, neural stimulation system to support neural stimulation both optoelectrically and biochemically, which represents crucial early steps in a larger effort to create a minimally invasive system for neural stimulation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number213284
JournalBiomaterials advances
Volume146
ISSN2772-9508
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Core-shell fibers
  • Electrospinning
  • Growth factor release
  • Neural regeneration
  • Optoelectrical stimulation

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