Optimal Poly(l-lysine) Grafting Density in Hydrogels for Promoting Neural Progenitor Cell Functions

Recently, we have developed a photopolymerizable poly(l-lysine) (PLL) that can be covalently incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels to improve their bioactivity by providing positive charges. To explore the potential of these PLL-grafted PEGDA hydrogels as a cell delivery vehicle and luminal filler in nerve guidance conduits for peripheral and central nerve regeneration, we varied the number of pendent PLL chains in the hydrogels by photo-cross-linking PEGDA with weight compositions of PLL (ϕPLL) of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5%. We further investigated the effect of PLL grafting density on E14 mouse neural progenitor cell (NPC) behavior including cell viability, attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. The amount of actually grafted PLL and charge densities were characterized, showing a proportional increase with the feed composition ϕPLL. NPC viability in 3D hydrogels was significantly improved in a PLL grafting density-dependent manner at days 7 and 14 postenc...