Investigating the effects of electrical stimulation via gold nanoparticles on in vitro neurite outgrowth: Perspective to nerve regeneration

Neural tissue engineering research field has been progressed by using different approaches especially for repairing of damaged neural cells. In addition, it is known that electrical stimulation can be used for neurite growth and nerve regeneration. In this study conductive properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs, 39 nm) and their contribution to the enhancement of electrical stimulation to nerve cells have been conducted. In experimental section, polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymer coated cover glasses was used to create a positively charged glass surface and adsorption of GNPs was used in conjugation with this polymer coated substrate. Subsequently, PC12 cells were cultured on the modified glass surface and pulsed electric field of 1.5 V, 20 Hz was applied as electrical stimulation for 55 min duration. Images from FESEM showed a uniform distribution of GNPs on glasses surface. In addition, enhanced neurite outgrowth (120 mu m) using electrical stimulation was determined by inverted phase contrast microscopy images. Altogether, synergist combination of GNPs together with pulsed electrical stimulation can be used for enhanced nerve regeneration. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.