Work

Interactions of Cells and Biomaterials for Nerve Tissue Engineering: Polymers and Fabrication

Year: 2023

Type: review

Abstract: Neural injuries affect millions globally, significantly impacting their quality of life. The inability of these injuries to heal, limited ability to regenerate, and the lack of available treatments make regenerative medicine and tissue engineering a promising field of research for developing methods for nerve repair. This review evaluates the use of natural and synthetic polymers, and the fabrication methods applied that influence a cell's behavior. Methods include cross-linking hydrogels, incorporation of nanoparticles, and 3D printing with and without live cells. The endogenous cells within the injured area and any exogenous cells seeded on the polymer construct play a vital role in regulating healthy neural activity. This review evaluates the body's local and systemic reactions to the implanted materials. Although numerous variables are involved, many of these materials and methods have exhibited the potential to provide a biomaterial environment that promotes biocompatibility and the regeneration of a physical and functional nerve. Future studies may evaluate advanced methods for modifying material properties and characterizing the tissue-biomaterial interface for clinical applications.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym15183685

Authors: Meaghan E. Harley-Troxell, Richard Steiner, Rigoberto C. Advincula, David E. Anderson, Madhu Dhar

Institutions: University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Nerve injury and regeneration

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,669