Enhanced neuron differentiation

In addition to the improved structure and cell connectivity, three-dimensional cultures have shown increased survival and enhanced neuronal differentiation compared to traditional mono-layer cultures [36, 37], The increased survival could be related to the improved cell-cell and cell-matrix contact as it leads to improved cell signaling and gap junction connections. Also cellcell signaling can promote proliferation of glial and NSCs that can contribute to increased culture survival. Moreover, the improved cellcell interaction in the 3D structure, especially between astrocytes and neurons, enhances neurogenesis, synapse formation, and axon myelination. 

Brannvall K, Bergman K, Wallenquist U, Svahn S, Bowden T, Hilborn J, Forsberg-Nilsson K (2007) Enhanced neuronal differentiation in a three-dimensional collagen-hyaluronan matrix. J Neurosci Res 85 2138-2146... 

Figure 6.4 Enhanced neuron differentiation on poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-grafted (g)-CNT 2D scaffolds, (a) Neuron differentiation efficiency characterization. Cells were stained with neuron specific marker p-tnbulin III (1 500) and nnclei were counter-stained with DAPI (1 5000). Images were acquired by using fixed exposure time in every field. Differentiation efficiency was acquired by calculating fluorescence intensity of immunopositive cells against DAPI-stained cells. Values were shown as mean SEM. (b) SEM images of cells on poly-L-or-nithine (PLO) and PAA-CNT (PAA-g-CNT) snrfaces, seven days after attachment.

With the possibilities to use biomaterial to deliver factors locally, the strategy to combine the use of the biomaterial as carrier of transplanted cells and growth factors is obvious. Significant release of growth factors from such materials can be maintained for several months in vivo, as was shown for a PCLA scaffold coated with a silk fibroin matrix loaded with NT-3, carrying rat forebrain nemal stem cells (Tang et al., 2014). This combination lead to enhanced survival, neuronal differentiation, and functional recovery of the injured rat. 

Foetal development promotes growth and differentiation of foetal cells and organogenesis Promotes longitudinal body growth and increased body weight Promotes enhanced functioning of the male and female reproductive tissue Promotes growth and differentiation of neuronal tissue... 

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