Strategies for regeneration of components of nervous system: scaffolds, cells and biomolecules

Regenerative Biomaterials, 2015 · DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbu017 · Published: January 13, 2015

Simple Explanation

Nerve diseases, including acute injuries like peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and chronic conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, disrupt the nervous system's function, affecting memory and movement. The body's limited capacity to regenerate axonal pathways necessitates biomimetic approaches, such as grafting a bridge across lesions to promote tissue regeneration, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) where a less inhibitory environment is crucial. Electrospinning is highlighted as a versatile and cost-effective method for creating extracellular matrix (ECM)-like nanofibrous structures, which, when combined with functionalizing cues, shows promise for nerve tissue applications and potential stem cell therapies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Nervous system injuries, including SCI and TBI, lead to significant healthcare costs and disabilities, prompting the need for improved therapies.
2
SCs facilitate nerve regeneration in the PNS by providing nutrient support, guiding axons, and secreting growth-promoting molecules, whereas their absence in the CNS presents a significant barrier.
3
Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, especially aligned ones, can mimic the natural nerve structure and guide cell growth, making them promising for nerve tissue engineering.

Research Summary

This review discusses strategies for nervous system regeneration, focusing on biomaterials, cells, and biomolecules, particularly electrospun scaffolds, for treating nerve injuries such as peripheral nerve injury (PNI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electrospinning is highlighted as a versatile technique for creating ECM-like nanofibrous structures, and functionalized scaffolds combined with stem cell therapy are presented as promising for curing nerve diseases. The review also explores the use of commercialized guidance conduits and wraps for PNI, different types of electrospun nanofibers (random, aligned, 3D, and functionalized), and electrosprayed micro/nanoparticles for drug delivery in nerve tissue engineering.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

Functionalized electrospun scaffolds, combined with stem cell therapy, hold promise for improving nerve regeneration in both traumatic PNI and central nerve injuries, potentially leading to better functional outcomes.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Electrosprayed micro/nanoparticles can be used as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery in the brain, offering a potential treatment approach for TBI and neurodegenerative diseases by bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Clinical Translation

Further research is needed to bridge the gap between electrospun biomaterials for nerve repair and clinical standards, particularly for SCI and TBI, necessitating the development of tailored therapies for CNS injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Response to injury varies greatly between CNS and PNS
2
There is a certain gap between electrospun biomaterials for nerve repair and the clinical standard of care
3
Feasibility and efficiency of electrosprayed micro/nanoparticles need to be proved by future researches

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