Integrating Biomaterials and Stem Cells for Neural Regeneration
Date
2016
Authors
Maclean, Francesca
Rodriguez, Alexandra
Parish, Clare
Williams, Richard J
Nisbet, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Abstract
The central nervous system has a limited capacity to regenerate, and thus, traumatic injuries or diseases often
have devastating consequences. Therefore, there is a distinct need to develop alternative treatments that can
achieve functional recovery without side effects currently observed with some pharmacological treatments.
Combining biomaterials with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), either embryonic or induced, has the potential to
revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries. Biomaterials can mimic the
extracellular matrix and present a myriad of relevant biochemical cues through rational design or further
functionalization. Biomaterials such as nanofibers and hydrogels, including self-assembling peptide (SAP)
hydrogels can provide a superior cell culture environment. When these materials are then combined with PSCs,
more accurate drug screening and disease modeling could be developed, and the generation of large number of
cells with the appropriate phenotype can be achieved, for subsequent use in vitro. Biomaterials have also been
shown to support endogenous cell growth after implantation, and, in particular, hydrogels and SAPs have
effectively acted as cell delivery vehicles, increasing cell survival after transplantation. Few studies are yet to
fully exploit the combination of PSCs and innovative biomaterials; however, initial studies with neural stem
cells, for example, are promising, and, hence, such a combination for use in vitro and in vivo is an exciting new
direction for the field of neural regeneration.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Collections
Source
Stem Cells and Development
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
2037-12-31
Downloads
File
Description