Bioengineering Human Neurological Constructs Using Decellularized Meningeal Scaffolds for Application in Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2018 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00150 · Published: November 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries are devastating, leading to inflammation and loss of nerve cells. This study explores using neural stem cells to bridge the injury gap, but these cells need support to survive and function long-term. Researchers developed a tissue-specific neuronal construct using human neural precursor cells on decellularized meningeal scaffolds. This construct provides mechanical and biological support for nerve cells to survive and function. The construct is immunologically tolerable and offers a 3D platform for organized nerve cell growth and axonal guidance. It possesses mechanical and biological properties necessary for axonal regeneration at the injury site.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) and Wister rats

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
Decellularized meningeal scaffolds (DMS) maintain a 3D architecture and extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting long-term survival and function of neurological cells.
2
DMS provides a suitable microenvironment for synchronized axonal growth and signaling of human neuronal cells, facilitating the formation of new synapses.
3
The bioengineered meningeal neuronal construct (MNC) exhibits in vivo bio/immune compatibility, without eliciting significant inflammatory or fibrotic responses in Wister rats.

Research Summary

The study focuses on developing a tissue-specific neuronal construct using human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) on decellularized meningeal scaffolds (DMS) to support the structural and functional aspects of damaged spinal cord tissues. The resulting bioengineered meningeal neuronal construct (MNC) mimics the natural nervous tissue architecture and provides a hospitable microenvironment enriched with neurotrophins, promoting organized neuronal cell growth and axonal regeneration. In vivo experiments demonstrate that the MNC is immunologically tolerable and does not elicit significant inflammatory or fibrotic responses, suggesting its potential for application in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair.

Practical Implications

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

This bioengineered construct may offer a novel approach for spinal cord injury repair by providing mechanical and biological support for nerve regeneration.

Tissue Engineering

The decellularized meningeal scaffold provides a natural 3D platform that can be used for engineering other neurological tissues.

Drug Delivery

The scaffold could be used as a delivery system for neurotrophic factors or other therapeutic agents to promote nerve regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to in vitro and in vivo experiments on Wister rats; further pre-clinical testing in larger animal models is needed.
2
The long-term effects and efficacy of the bioengineered construct in promoting functional recovery after SCI require further investigation.
3
Ethical concerns related to the use of human fetal tissue-derived NPCs warrant exploration of alternative cell sources, such as MSCs or iPSCs.

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