Effects of self-assembled IKVAV peptide nanofibers on dorsal root ganglion neurons

Objective:To observe the effects of self-assembled IKVAV peptide nanofibers on dorsal root ganglia neurons(DRGc) through co-culturing of DRGc and gel.Method:The peptide was dissolved in NaOH solution with pH value adjusted to 8.5 and the concentration of 0.01mg/ml,then the peptide was triggered to be self-organized into gel by the addition of DMEM/F12,which was detected under TEM.The DRGc suspension established by primary isolated culture methods,was divided into experimental group and control group.In experimental group(EG):DRGc were transplanted on the surface of 2-D gels,while in control group,DRGc were transplanted on the surface of poly-lysine.Growth of DRGc was observed by IPCM.DRGc's survival time and the length of neurit in both groups were observed by cell counting and immunohistochemistry methods,and these datas were put into statistical analysis.Result:TEM showed that the self-assembled gel was composed of network nanofibers.The neurite length of DRGc at 1st day in EG and CG was (43.8±10.4)μm and (33.4±5.75)μm respectively.The amount of neuron at 2st week for EG and CG were 36.50±1.78/EF and 19.70±3.71/EF respectively,with the percentage of (43.60±4.83)% and (39.04±3.87)% for EG and CG,which had significant difference(P0.05).Conclusion:Self-assembled IKVAV peptide nanofibers,which can degrade the neuron mortality as well as promote neurite sprouting and growth,is a bioactivity scaffold,it can serve as a superordinary nerve tissue engineering scaffold.