Characterization of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation on co-electrospun nanofibers of PCL with gelatin

Abstract

Axonal re-myelination in injured central nervous system (CNS) has been a scientific challenge. Focal delivery of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (OPCs) provides promising approach. We used a novel bioengineering technique to create co-electrospun nanofibers of Gelatin and Poly-?-caprolactone (PCL) to be used as a scaffold for neural tissue regeneration. Growth and differentiation of Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) (from neonatal rat brain) on the scaffold were studied. Our study revealed that Gelatin/PCL nanofibers provide a hospitable substrate for OPC growth and differentiation. Our long term goal is to develop a scaffold that bridges the injured spinal cord (SC) and aid its functional recovery.