Proliferation and Differentiation of Pc12 Cells in Silk Fibroin/Amniotic Membrane/ Glycosylated Gold Nanocomposite in Microfluidic Device Publisher



Hosseinzadeh E^{1, 2} ; Afjehdana E¹ ; Fasihi Ramandi J³ ; Hadi MJ² ; Barati F² ; Akhshik M^{4, 5} ; Ashtari B^{1, 2} Show Affiliations
Source: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Published:2025

Abstract

This study introduces a nanocomposite substrate comprised of silk fibroin (SF), amniotic membrane (Amnio-M), and glycosylated gold nanorods (Gly GNRs) integrated into a microfluidic device for enhanced neuronal cell culture under a constant flow rate of 0.1 mL/h syringe pump (in perfusion culture mode). The gold nanorods (GNRs) were synthesized via seed-mediation method and characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy and transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The glucosamine was conjugated to the carboxyl-terminated GNRs and characterized using UV–visible and zeta potential measurements. No aggregation was observed during this ligand exchange process. The SF/Amnio-M/Gly GNRs composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and SEM confirming its porous structure with interconnected holes that are suitable for cell adhesion and growth. Microscopic observations, MTT assays, gene expression analysis, Immunocytochemistry (ICC), DAPI staining, and SEM imaging were employed to evaluate cell viability, differentiation, and morphology. The nanocomposite substrate demonstrated enhanced cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation compared to the control. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.