Bio-Scaffolds as Cell or Exosome Carriers for Nerve Injury Repair

Central and peripheral nerve injuries can lead to permanent paralysis and organ dysfunction. In recent years, many cell and exosome implantation techniques have been developed in an attempt to restore function after nerve injury with promising but generally unsatisfactory clinical results. Clinical outcome may be enhanced by bio-scaffolds specifically fabricated to provide the appropriate three-dimensional (3D) conduit, growth-permissive substrate, and trophic factor support required for cell survival and regeneration. In rodents, these scaffolds have been shown to promote axonal regrowth and restore limb motor function following experimental spinal cord or sciatic nerve injury.

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  Combining the appropriate cell/exosome and scaffold type may thus achieve tissue repair and regeneration with safety and efficacy sufficient for routine clinical application.
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  Natural polymeric materials are advantageous due to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, rapid biodegradability can limit their applications.
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  The microenvironment provided by these bio-scaffolds plays a major role in determining the stem cell lineage and ultimate regeneration success, so much effort has gone into the design and fabrication of ideal 3D biomaterials.