Effect of Keratin/PLGA Scaffold on proliferation and phenotype of schwann cell

Keratin is the major structural fibrous protein such as wool, hair, and nail and is useful as natural protein. Schwann cells(SCs) can stimulate tissue sparing and enhance outgrowth of both intact and lesion axons. We were prepared keratin/PLGA(0, 20 and 50 wt%) scaffolds by solvent casting/salt leaching method. Cellular viability and proliferation were assayed by MTT test. Morphology of cellular adhesion were confirmed by scanning electron microscope(SEM). SCs specific protein was assessed staining by s-100 for SCs marker and RT-PCR was conducted to confirm mRNA expression of NF, P-75 and s-100 for SCs marker. In MTT assay results, cell viability in scaffolds impregnated 20 wt% of keratin were higher than other scaffolds. SEM exhibited normal spindle-shaped morphology on 20 wt% of keratin. SC specific mRNA expression and protein could not be observed in scaffold containing 50 wt% of keratin. These results suggest that keratin provide suitable surface to neural cells and proper content affect on culture condition to improve cell adhesion and proliferation.