Extensive neurite outgrowth and active synapse formation on self-assembling peptide scaffolds

TLDR

A new type of self‑assembling peptide scaffold that serves as a substrate for neurite outgrowth and synapse formation is described. These peptide-based scaffolds are amenable to molecular design via chemical or biotechnological synthesis, can be tailored to various applications, and form through spontaneous assembly of ionic self‑complementary β‑sheet oligopeptides under physiological conditions, producing a hydrogel material. The scaffolds support neuronal attachment, differentiation, extensive neurite outgrowth, and functional synapse formation between attached neurons; primary rat neurons form active synapses on them, and the buoyant scaffolds can be transported between environments without eliciting measurable immune response or inflammation, indicating potential for tissue repair and engineering.

Abstract

A new type of s elf- a ssembling peptide (sapeptide) scaffolds that serve as substrates for neurite outgrowth and synapse formation is described. These peptide-based scaffolds are amenable to molecular design by using chemical or biotechnological syntheses. They can be tailored to a variety of applications. The sapeptide scaffolds are formed through the spontaneous assembly of ionic self-complementary β-sheet oligopeptides under physiological conditions, producing a hydrogel material. The scaffolds can support neuronal cell attachment and differentiation as well as extensive neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, they are permissive substrates for functional synapse formation between the attached neurons. That primary rat neurons form active synapses on such scaffold surfaces in situ suggests these scaffolds could be useful for tissue engineering applications. The buoyant sapeptide scaffolds with attached cells in culture can be transported readily from one environment to another. Furthermore, these peptides did not elicit a measurable immune response or tissue inflammation when introduced into animals. These biological materials created through molecular design and self assembly may be developed as a biologically compatible scaffold for tissue repair and tissue engineering.