Insights into Advances and Applications of Biomaterials for Nerve Tissue Injuries and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Macromolecular Bioscience, 2024 · DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400150 · Published: September 30, 2024

Simple Explanation

Nerve tissue injuries and neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more common due to factors like stress and aging. Current treatments offer limited relief, and stem cell therapies face challenges in survival and neurogenesis. Neural tissue engineering, which involves using biomaterials to support stem cells, is a promising approach. Researchers are working to create scaffolds that mimic the properties of nerve tissue to improve functional recovery. This review explores the use of different biomaterials in diagnosing, treating, and regenerating nerve tissue, as well as in addressing neurological disorders.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Biomaterials can enhance neurogenesis and differentiation of stem cells. Fibrous scaffolds and hydrogels have shown promise in promoting nerve cell proliferation and reducing inflammation.
2
Biomaterials play a crucial role in treating nerve tissue injuries like PNI and SCI, by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. FDA-approved scaffolds are available, and new materials like GelMA/SFMA show potential for functional recovery.
3
In neurodegenerative disorders like AD and PD, biomaterials offer novel drug delivery systems, reducing oxidative stress and cell death. Hydrogels and nanoparticles enable targeted drug release, minimizing side effects.

Research Summary

The review highlights the increasing incidence of nerve tissue injuries and neurodegenerative diseases and the limitations of current treatments. It discusses the potential of neural tissue engineering, particularly the use of biomaterials with stem cells, to overcome these limitations. The review concludes by emphasizing the promising outcomes of biomaterials in preclinical studies and the need for further research to address safety concerns and optimize their use in clinical settings for human nerve regeneration.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

Biomaterials can be designed to mimic the natural ECM, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, which are essential for nerve regeneration.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Biomaterials like nanoparticles and hydrogels can deliver therapeutic agents directly to the affected areas in the brain, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Improved Monitoring and Diagnostics

Nanomaterials enhance the specificity and sensitivity in biosensing and imaging, allowing for better and earlier diagnosis of neurological disorders.

Study Limitations

1
Safety concerns regarding the use of biomaterials in humans, such as the potential for oxidative stress or inflammation.
2
Limited long-term durability of interactions between electrode surfaces and tissues in bioelectronics.
3
The need for further investigation and optimization of biomaterials in clinical settings, despite promising preclinical results.

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