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Polypyrrole - A Potential Candidate for Stimulated Nerve Regeneration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

V. R. Shastri ,
C. E. Schmidt ,
T.-H. Kim ,
J. P. Vacanti  and
R. Langer
V. R. Shastri
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139
C. E. Schmidt
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139
T.-H. Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
J. P. Vacanti
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
R. Langer
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
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Abstract

The proposed research is aimed at gaining a fundamental understanding of in vitro nerve cellbiomaterials interactions, with the immediate goal of engineering materials to specifically enhance expression of the neuronal phenotype. Long term goals include (1) optimizing the innervation (connection) of the host neurons with implanted bioartificial tissue constructs and, (2) facilitating the regeneration of damaged peripheral and central nerves. In this study, the interactions of neuronal like PC-I12 cells with the electrically conducting polymer, polypyrrole, (PP) have been investigated. It has been shown by quantitative image analysis that neurite extensions of PC-12 cells are more pronounced on PP surfaces as compared to tissue culture polystyrene. Application of an electrical stimulus to cells cultured on PP film significantly increased (based on morphological evaluation) the expression of neurites in these cells compared to controls. Tissue compatibility and transected sciatic nerve regeneration studies in rat models show that PP films invoke little negative response and support nerve regeneration.

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