Papers by Author: Yu Mi Kim

Abstract: Most biomaterials widely used in nerve regeneration are either inert or modified with ECM proteins or their epitopes. Neurotransmitters play a key role in neuronal development and function. Thus we decided to investigate the feasibility of using neurotransmitters to create biofunctional materials that actively engage nerve cells to achieve functional restoration after injury of the nervous system. Our data indicated that a properly designed biodegradable polymer with dopamine functional groups was more capable of promoting neurite growth. Such biofunctional materials can potentially provide a new strategy for nerve regeneration.

Abstract: Intrathecal implants of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells relieve chronic pain by secreting catecholamines, opioids and other neuroactive substances. Recently, macrocapsules with hollow fibers were employed to isolate immunologically xenogeneic chromaffin cells, but the poor viability in vivo of the encapsulated chromaffin cells limited the usefulness of this method. In this study, we used microencapsulation technology to increase the viability of chromaffin cells. Bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were microencapsulated with alginate and poly-L-lysine and implanted intrathecally in a rat using the neuropathic pain model. Intrathecal implants of microencapsulated cells relieved cold allodynia, which is the most prominent symptom of the neuropathic pain model in a rat. Furthermore, the microencapsulated chromaffin cells were morphologically normal and retained their functionality. These findings suggest that the intrathecal implant of microencapsulated chromaffin cells might be a useful method for treating chronic pain.