Effect of 830nm laser phototherapy on olfactory neuronal ensheathing (progenitor-like) cells grown in vitro on bioscaffolds

Abstract

Background and Objective: Our group is investigating the effect of laser phototherapy on a range of cell lines seeded onto novel bioscaffolds as a potential method for assisting in tissue repair and healing. Our aim was to analyse the cell proliferation and growth characteristics of the olfactory neuronal ensheathing cells on the chosen bioscaffolds.

Methods: Olfactory lamina propria ensheathing (OLF442) cells were cultured, seeded and grown on two novel scaffolds: (1) fully crystallised bioactive glass-ceramic, and (2) modified spongin collagen matrix. Twenty-four hours after seeding of scaffolds, cells were irradiation with a single exposure of laser (830 nm continuous, 30 mW, 10 J/cm2; Smart Laser Medilase, NSW, Australia). Cell proliferation was calculated with spectrophotometry. Scanning electron micrography was utilised to visualise cell growth, migration patterns, and morphology of cells growing on the three-dimensional scaffolds.

Results: Laser irradiation produced a 29% mean reduction in OLF442 cell growth on the glass–ceramic scaffold discs (mean absorbance +/- SD = 0.192+/-0.002) compared to control (non-irradiated) discs (mean absorbance +/- SD = 0.22+/-0.002). There was a 43% mean increase in OLF442 cell proliferation on the modified collagen scaffolds compared to non-irradiated control scaffolds.

Conclusion: Both scaffolds were capable of supporting OLF442 cell growth. There was a stimulatory effect of phototherapy on OLF442 cells in collagen derived scaffolds, and inhibitory effect of the same laser attributes on a glass-ceramic scaffold. The results support the potential use of laser for promoting tissue healing using bioscaffolds but the type of scaffold may affect the laser-mediated outcomes.