Neuronal commitment of human circulating multipotent cells by carbon nanotube-polymer scaffolds and biomimetic peptides

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2016 Aug;11(15):1929-46. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0150. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to set up a self-standing, biomimetic scaffold system able to induce and support per se neuronal differentiation of autologous multipotent cells.

Materials & methods: We isolated a population of human circulating multipotent cells (hCMCs), and used carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite scaffolds to mimic electrical/nanotopographical features of the neural environment, and biomimetic peptides reproducing axon guidance cues from neural proteins.

Results: hCMCs showed high degree of stemness and multidifferentiative potential; stimuli from the scaffolds and biomimetic peptides could induce and boost hCMC differentiation toward neuronal lineage despite the absence of exogenously added, specific growth factors.

Conclusion: This work suggests the scaffold-peptides system combined with autologous hCMCs as a functional biomimetic, self-standing prototype for neural regenerative medicine applications.

Keywords: biomimetic peptides; carbon nanotubes; human circulating multipotent cells; nanocomposite scaffold; neuronal differentiation; regenerative medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Peptides
  • Polyesters
  • poly(lactide)