The temporospatial regulation of axon outgrowth is useful for guiding de novo connectivity or re-connectivity of neurons in neurological injury or disease. Here we report the successful construction of a biocompatible guidance device, in which a linear propagation of IGF-1 gradient sequentially directs axon outgrowth. We observe the extensive in vitro axonal extension over 5 mm with a desired growth rate of ∼ 1 mm/day.
Keywords: axon guidance; controlled drug release; hydrogel; tissue engineering.
© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.