Novel polymer constructs for controlled release and presentation of topographic cues in support of neuronal cells

Abstract

In order to improve nerve healing, a new treatment that uses conductive polymer scaffolds to bridge gaps between damaged nerve ends and deliver drugs controllably was explored. In order to optimize neuron growth across scaffolding a neuronal scaffold designed with an electrically conductive polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), will be used as a substrate to enhance nerve cell interaction in vitro. The polymer will be analyzed for the capacity to influence cellular phenotype, including via controlled biomolecular delivery and surface topography. This thesis showed that all these concepts are possible and begins to optimize these characteristics. Successfully optimization of these scaffold characteristics will provide a novel method for treating injury in the central nervous system.