Biomaterials patterning regulates neural stem cells fate and behavior: The interface of biology and material science

Abstract

The combination of nanotechnology and stem cell biology is one of the most promising advances in the field of regenerative medicine. This novel combination has widely been utilized in vitro settings in an attempt to develop efficient therapeutic strategies to overcome the limited capacity of the central nervous system (CNS) in replacing degenerating neural cells with functionally normal cells after the onset of acute and chronic neurological disorders. Importantly, biomaterials, not only, enhance the endogenous CNS neurogenesis and plasticity, but also, could provide a desirable supportive microenvironment to harness the full potential of the in vitro expanded neural stem cells (NSCs) for regenerative purposes. Here, first, we discuss how the physical and biochemical properties of biomaterials, such as their stiffness and elasticity, could influence the behavior of NSCs. Then, since the NSCs niche or microenvironment is of fundamental importance in controlling the dynamic destiny of NSCs such as their quiescent and proliferative states, topographical effects of surface diversity in biomaterials, that is, the micro-and nano-patterned surfaces will be discussed in detail. Finally, the influence of biomaterials as artificial microenvironments on the behavior of NSCs through the specific mechanotransduction signaling pathway mediated by focal adhesion formation will be reviewed.

Multichannel bridges and NSC synergize to enhance axon regeneration, myelination, synaptic reconnection, and recovery after SCI

“…3y ). Together, these data suggest that the PLG scaffold supports modulation of donor stem cell fate via altering the bioavailability of immune cell or hNSC secreted factors in addition to the physical and mechanical properties of the biomaterial substrate 41 – 43 , 45 – 47 .…”

Multichannel bridges and NSC synergize to enhance axon regeneration, myelination, synaptic reconnection, and recovery after SCI

“…3Y). Together, these data suggest that the PLG scaffold supports adventitious modulation of donor stem cell fate via modulation of the bioavailability of immune cell or hNSC secreted factors in addition to the physical and mechanical properties of the biomaterial substrate [41][42][43][45][46][47].…”

Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffolds Incorporated with Conductive PEDOT Nanoparticles for Improved Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation

“…This is of great importance for the design of “smart” biomaterials able to act as multifunctional platforms, delivering both cells and therapeutic drugs to the damaged region while providing biological and physiochemical cures to support tissue recovery [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. A series of studies have shown that the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs can be regulated using multiple factors, such as elastic stiffness, surface topography, and mechanical and electrical signals at the cell–matrix interface [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. However, the implementation of these approaches remains a challenge due to our limited comprehension of the phenomena occurring in both healthy and damaged host tissues.…”