Synthetic poly d/l lysine for control of direction and rate of neurite growth and regeneration
AssigneeChildren's Hospital Los Angeles
InventorsStephen L. Chen, Richard B. Simerly
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Abstract
The present invention provides for use of poly-D/L-lysine (PLL) to control the growth of neural cells in vitro and in vivo. The invention describes the activity of defined PLL lines on neural cells and the ability to use the compound to control the direction and rate of growth of neurites on solid substrates. High-throughput screening assays are provided as are medical devices and therapies for treatment of neuronal injury or malfunction.
Claims22
A solid substrate having disposed on a surface one or more raised surface features comprising poly D/L lysine (PLL) in a pre-defined geometric shape, wherein the raised surface features have a wave-like cross-section.
-13. (canceled)
A method for controlling the direction of growth of neurons, said method comprising:
- growing one or more neurons on a solid substrate having disposed on a surface one or more raised surface features comprising PLL in a pre-defined geometric shape,
- wherein the raised surface features have a wave-like cross-section, and
- wherein the raised surface features control the direction of growth of the neurons.
A high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for a substance that affects neuron activity, said method comprising:
- exposing a neuron growing on an HTS platform to a test substance,
- wherein the HTS platform comprises a solid substrate having a culture chamber and a test chamber, the culture chamber having a surface on which is disposed one or more raised surface features comprising PLL in a pre-defined geometric shape for controlled directional growth of the neuron into the test chamber, wherein the raised surface features have a wave-like cross-section, and
- determining if the test substance causes a change in the activity of the neuron.
-26. (canceled)
A one-step method for making a solid substrate for controlled growth of neurons, said method comprising:
- immersing at least a portion of the solid substrate in a liquid composition comprising PLL to define a first liquid-air interface on a surface of the solid substrate;
- and
- maintaining the solid substrate in the liquid composition for an amount of time sufficient to cause deposition of PLL onto the surface of the solid substrate at the first liquid-air interface,
- wherein the deposited PLL at the first liquid-air interface forms a raised surface feature on the solid substrate that has a wave-like cross-section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.