Application of PLGA/FGF-2 coaxial microfibers in spinal cord tissue engineering: an in vitro and in vivo investigation.

Aim: Scaffolds are a promising approach for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. FGF-2 is involved in tissue repair but is easily degradable and presents collateral effects in systemic administration.In order to address the stability issue and avoid the systemic effects, FGF-2 was encapsulated into core-shell microfibers by coaxial electrospinning and itsin vitro and in vivo potential were studied.Materials & methods:The fibers were characterized by physicochemical and biological parameters.The scaffolds were implanted in a hemisection SCI rat model.Locomotor test was performed weekly for 6 weeks. After this time, histological analyses were performed and expression of nestin and GFAP was quantified by flow cytometry.Results: Electrospinning resulted in uniform microfibers with a core-shell structure, with a sustained liberation of FGF-2 from the fibers. The fibers supported PC12 cells adhesion and proliferation. Implanted scaffolds into SCI promoted locomotor recovery at 28days after injury and reduced GFAP expression. Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of these microfibers in SCI tissue engineering. [GRAPHICS] .