Neuronal commitment of human circulating multipotent cells by carbon nanotube-polymer scaffolds and biomimetic peptides

Aim: We aimed to set up a self-standing, biomimetic scaffold system able to induce and support per se neuronal differentiation of autologous multipotent cells. Materials & methods: We isolated a population of human circulating multipotent cells (hCMCs), and used carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite scaffolds to mimic electrical/nanotopographical features of the neural environment, and biomimetic peptides reproducing axon guidance cues from neural proteins. Results: hCMCs showed high degree of stemness and multidifferentiative potential; stimuli from the scaffolds and biomimetic peptides could induce and boost hCMC differentiation toward neuronal lineage despite the absence of exogenously added, specific growth factors. Conclusion: This work suggests the scaffold-peptides system combined with autologous hCMCs as a functional biomimetic, self-standing prototype for neural regenerative medicine applications.