Decellularised extracellular matrix-based biomaterials for repair and regeneration of central nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, regulates the mind and functions of the organs. CNS diseases, leading to changes in neurological functions in corresponding sites and causing long-term disability, represent one of the major public health issues with significant clinical and economic burdens worldwide. Decellularised extracellular matrix (dECM)-based biomaterials have been recently utilised for CNS applications, closely mimicking the native tissue. dECM retains tissue-specific components, including proteoglycan as well as structural and functional proteins. This review focuses on the physical, chemical and biological methods for decellularisation of brain and spinal cord ECM in the context of CNS applications and specifically discusses innovative applications.

• 1
  dbECM scaffolds induced a strong angiogenic response, comparable to fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), an angiogenic cytokine.
• 2
  dscECM scaffold and dscECM scaffold + hUCB-MSCs provided significant locomotor recovery improvement. The scaffold supported hUCB-MSCs proliferation, as well as the migration of host neural cells into the graft.
• 3
  Human iPSC-derived neurons plated on the hydrogel expressed neuronal markers and showed neuronal morphology. Additionally, the solubilised brain matrix was reported to self-assemble into nanofibrous hydrogel upon injection in vivo.