Effects of keratin/PLGA scaffolds on proliferation and phenotype of olafactory ensheathing cells

Keratin that affects to cell proliferation and adheison has been used to clinical trial as natural material. In this study, we evaluated keratin/PLGA scaffolds on adhesion, proliferation and phenotype of olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs). OECs were isolated from olfactory bulb of Fischer rat. We fabricated keratin/PLGA scaffold using 0, 10, 20, and 50 wt% of keratin by the solvent casting/salt leaching method. We confirmed morphology of cellular adhesion by scanning electron microscope(SEM). Cell proliferation activity was measured by MTT assay. RT-PCR was conducted to confirm mRNA expression of NF, S100 and P75 for OECs marker. These results suggest that keratin provides suitable surface to OECs and keratin of suitable content affects to improve cell adhesion and phenotype maintenance.