Analysis of neurite outgrowth on electrospun fiber scaffolds in the presence of blebbistatin and paclitaxel

In an attempt to increase the rate of neurite extension from E9 chick embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG) on electrospun fiber scaffolds we experimented with two drugs that have been used previously to affect neuronal growth. Blebbistatin and paclitaxel were added to DRG cultured on electrospun fibers in an attempt to increase the rate of neurite extension along fibrous scaffolds. Blebbistatin increased the length of neurites extending from the DRG explant in comparison to the drug-free control group. In contrast, paclitaxel completely eliminated all neurite extension from the DRG explant when compared to the control. A third treatment group which combined both drugs also resulted in no neurite extension from the DRG explant as was found in all paclitaxel containing treatment groups.