서강대학교

초록 (요약문)

Several three-dimensional culture systems and platforms have been reported for the development of in vitro models of neuromuscular junctions. However, since co-culture of conventional motor neurons and skeletal muscle results in relatively immature neuromuscular junctions, the biosensing system of neuromuscular junctions is lacking. To solve the existing limitations, a neuromuscular junction co-culture method using nanomaterials was introduced. Differentiation and maturation of the neuromuscular junction is possible by promoting the growth, expansion, and function of motor neurons by creating a favorable microenvironment of the neuromuscular junction. Therefore, to construct a microenvironment around the neuromuscular junction with nanomaterials, various nano-biohybrid hydrogels that can be applied to motor neuron differentiation, growth and function promotion were fabricated to establish a biosensing system fabrication technology. First, using carbon nanotubes, a nano-biohybrid hydrogel was fabricated with motor neuron spheroids. In addition, a nano-biohybrid hydrogel was prepared using graphene nanoparticles and motor neuron spheroids including vascular cells. The prepared nano-biohybrid hydrogel was applied to the neuromuscular junction culture. Carbon nanotubes were utilized to enhance osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and to detect osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. Nano-biohybrid hydrogels using motor neuron spheroids composed of graphene nanoparticles and vascular cells promoted the differentiation, growth, and function of motor neurons, thereby forming stable neuromuscular junctions. Finally, a biosensing system was devised to fabricate motor neuron structures through the combination of nano-biohybrid hydrogels for neuromuscular junction formation, and to evaluate neuromuscular junction function in vitro to enhance neuromuscular junction formation and facilitate movement observation.