Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Guiding Neural Regeneration

Acc Chem Res, 2016 · DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.5b00345 · Published: January 19, 2016

Simple Explanation

The mammalian brain's limited regenerative capabilities after damage from degenerative diseases or traumatic injuries necessitate effective strategies to replace destroyed neural tissue. Stem-cell-based therapies offer promise by promoting regeneration and repair within the central nervous system. Nanotechnology provides precise physicochemical control for creating tools applicable in neuroscience. Three strategies are used to selectively control neural differentiation: delivery of soluble factors via multifunctional nanoparticles, surface patterning to control stem cell morphology, and modulation of cell-ECM interactions using nanoscaffolds. Researchers modify surface chemistry to regulate cell adhesion, spreading, shape, elongation, and cell fate. Micro/nanopatterning techniques, using shapes like circles, squares, triangles, stripes, and grids, assess the effects of spreading and shape on lineage commitment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Primary rat NSCs (rNSCs), fetal human NSCs (hNSCs), human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Multifunctional magnetic core−shell nanoparticles (MCNPs) facilitate efficient siRNA transfection into primary rat NSCs (rNSCs) with minimal cytotoxicity and the ability to track transplanted cells using MRI.
2
DexAM, an organic nanoparticle-based delivery system, enables simultaneous delivery of siRNA and hydrophobic small molecules, enhancing neuronal differentiation of rNSCs with high transfection efficiency and minimal cytotoxicity.
3
Combinatorial NGO patterns of specific geometries permitted stem cell differentiation into specific cell lineages. In particular, NGO grid patterns were observed to enhance hADMSC differentiation into neuronal cells.

Research Summary

Nanotechnology-based approaches offer precise control for stem-cell-based neural regeneration by intervening at multiple levels of scale, transitioning from soluble micro-environments to 2D micropatterned surfaces to 3D nanotopographical scaffolds. Challenges remain, including cytotoxicity concerns with new materials, the need for pure populations of differentiated cells, and the development of platforms that better mimic the native 3D microenvironment of the CNS. Nanoinspired tools and strategies are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the neuroscience frontier, prompting innovative solutions for complex problems in neuroscience.

Practical Implications

Targeted Drug Delivery

Nanoparticle-based systems like DexAM can be utilized to deliver drugs and genetic material to stem cells with high efficiency and minimal toxicity, improving differentiation outcomes.

Controlled Cell Differentiation

Surface patterning techniques enable precise control over stem cell morphology and behavior, facilitating differentiation into specific neural cell types without the need for exogenous factors.

Enhanced Tissue Engineering

Nanofiber scaffolds, especially when combined with graphene-based materials, provide a 3D microenvironment that promotes cell growth, differentiation, and alignment, leading to improved nerve regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
Cytotoxicity of new nanomaterials requires further long-term in vivo analysis.
2
Achieving pure populations of differentiated cells remains a challenge due to incomplete control over the differentiation process.
3
Platforms that better mimic the native 3D microenvironment of the CNS are needed for more accurate in vitro testing.

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