The Adhesion behaviour of Schwann cells on PVA-based hydrogel substrates

Investigating Cellular Interactions for Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Up to a billion people worldwide are affected by
neurological injuries and disorders, which
constitute a major public health problem. [1]
Injuries to peripheral nerves are common and
have a major impact on quality of life. [2] The
peripheral nervous system, as the main vector of
communication between the brain and the rest of
the body, relies on a set of essential glial cells,
including Schwann cells. These cells play a
fundamental role in nerve regeneration and the
formation of the myelin sheath, which are crucial
for the rapid transmission of nerve impulses.
Schwann cells supply neurons with key
extracellular matrix factors, such as laminin and
collagen IV, as well as nerve growth factors,
which stimulate neurite growth and the function of
peripheral neurons. They are also involved in
nerve repair after injury. [3]
Context

However, one of the major challenges in neural
tissue engineering lies in the regulation of neurite
growth to develop functional and organized tissue
structures. This requires the design of
biomaterials that provide essential mechanical
and biochemical cues to promote cell adhesion,
survival, and growth.
Objective

This study aims to analyze the adhesion
behaviour of Schwann cells on PVA-based
hydrogel materials.

Methodology

Firstly, we will examine two hydrogel copolymer
technologies: PVA-MA co-polymerized with
methacrylate gelatin (Gel- MA) and methacrylate
gelatin (Gel-MA) to determine which of these
hydrogels offers better cell adhesion. Secondly,
we will assess the suitability of the best
performing hydrogel substrate for neurite growth
by creating 3D microchannels. Finally, we will
evaluate the results and propose future
suggestions.

Choice of material

It was hypothesized that a support with
mechanical properties similar to those of neural
tissue would provide Schwann cells with
conditions conducive to their development, which
would in turn promote the survival and
development of neurons. PVA-MA copolymerized
with methacrylate gelatin (Gel-MA) or
methacrylate Poly-I-Lysine (PLL-MA) is chosen
because it has mechanical properties similar to
those of nervous tissues, has more
physiologically relevant morphologies and has
increased expression of extracellular matrix
proteins. [4]

Conclusion

In sum, our study lays the foundations for a
promising investigation of the interactions
between Schwann cells and PVA-based
hydrogels in the context of nerve regeneration.
The materials selected for their mechanical
properties and characteristics similar to nerve
tissues offer exciting prospects for future
research. We are confident that this
multidisciplinary approach will contribute to the
advancement of our understanding of nerve
regeneration and open up new perspectives for

the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, even
though we are still in the early stage of scientific
adventure. This study demonstrates the
importance of tissue engineering research in
improving the quality of life of people suffering
from these disorders.
Key words: Peripheral nerve damage, Schwann
cells, Biomaterials, hydrogels, Nerve
regeneration, Extracellular matrices, Neurites, 3D
microchannel.