3D Poly(Lactic-co-glycolic acid) Scaffolds for Treating Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

In this paper, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to fabricate spinal cord scaffolds using low temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM) technology. The PLGA scaffolds were characterized as having good porosity, hydrophilicity and considerable biodegradability. The effects of the PLGA scaffolds on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were evaluated by culturing Schwann cells (SCs) on the surfaces of the scaffolds. The results showed that the SCs spread and proliferated well on the PLGA scaffolds. Histological assessment including Glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining, Nissl staining, Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining and Bielschowsky silver staining showed that the spinal cord recoveries considerably improved with the PLGA scaffolds, indicating that the PLGA scaffolds exhibited potential for applications in the management of spinal cord injuries.

Keywords: Low Temperature Deposition Manufacturing (LDM), PLGA Scaffold; Spinal Cord Injury; Schwann Cell.