Tissue Engineered Neural Constructs Composed of Neural Precursor Cells, Recombinant Spidroin and PRP for Neural Tissue Regeneration

Scientific Reports, 2019 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39341-9 · Published: February 28, 2019

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Researchers created a new matrix (SPRPix) to help grow and support human neural precursor cells (drNPC). This matrix combines a solid scaffold made from spider silk proteins and a liquid part using platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The matrix encouraged the drNPCs to multiply, form organized neural tissues, and develop into specialized brain cells like neurons and astrocytes. When the SPRPix matrix with drNPCs was implanted into the brains and spinal cords of monkeys, it showed good compatibility with the body and helped the human cells survive and turn into neurons.

Study Duration

3 months

Participants

Two healthy Rhesus macaque monkeys

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SPRPix matrix, combining recombinant spidroins and PRP, significantly enhanced drNPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation.
2
In vivo experiments in non-human primates demonstrated that the drNPC-SPRPix construct was biocompatible, with minimal immune response and no scar formation.
3
Transplanted human drNPCs survived for at least 12 weeks in the NHP brain and spinal cord, differentiating into MAP2-positive neurons.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel two-component matrix, SPRPix, composed of recombinant spidroins and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), designed to enhance the growth and differentiation of human neural precursor cells (drNPCs). In vitro, the SPRPix matrix promoted drNPC proliferation, formation of neural tissue organoids, and differentiation into neurons and astrocytes. The anisotropic microfibrils provided guidance cues for differentiating neurons. In vivo, implantation of the drNPC-SPRPix construct into the brains and spinal cords of non-human primates showed good biocompatibility, survival of human drNPCs for 12 weeks, and differentiation into neurons, suggesting potential for spinal cord injury treatment.

Practical Implications

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

The SPRPix matrix shows promise as a potential treatment for spinal cord injuries by supporting neural cell growth and differentiation in damaged areas.

Tissue Engineering Advancements

This research advances tissue engineering by demonstrating the successful combination of spider silk proteins and PRP to create a biocompatible neural construct.

Drug Delivery Systems

The SPRPix matrix could be further developed as a drug delivery system to provide targeted support to regenerating neural tissues.

Study Limitations

1
The study involved a small sample size of non-human primates (n=2), limiting the statistical power of the in vivo biocompatibility findings.
2
The long-term effects of the SPRPix matrix and drNPCs on the host tissue beyond 12 weeks were not evaluated.
3
The study focused on biocompatibility and cell survival in healthy primates, without directly assessing functional recovery in a spinal cord injury model.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine