Hydrogels-Assisted Cell Engraftment for Repairing the Stroke-Damaged Brain: Chimera or Reality

Abstract

Abstract:The use of advanced biomaterials as a structural and functional support for stem cells-based therapeutic implants has boosted the development of tissue engineering applications in multiple clinical fields. In relation to neurological disorders, we are still far from the clinical reality of restoring normal brain function in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular disorders. Hydrogel polymers show unique mechanical stiffness properties in the range of living soft tissues such as nervous tissue. Furthermore, the use of these polymers drastically enhances the engraftment of stem cells as well as their capacity to produce and deliver neuroprotective and neuroregenerative factors in the host tissue. Along this article, we review past and current trends in experimental and translational research to understand the opportunities, benefits, and types of tentative hydrogel-based applications for the treatment of cerebral disorders. Although the use of hydrogels for brain disorders has been restricted to the experimental area, the current level of knowledge anticipates an intense development of this field to reach clinics in forthcoming years.

Hydrogel-assisted neuroregeneration approaches towards brain injury therapy: A state-of-the-art review

“…The role of hydrogels in nervous system regeneration in general and in spinal cord regeneration in particular has been widely reviewed [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , 28 , 70 , 105 ]. However, the structural and chemical properties of usable hydrogels have not been sufficiently studied [ 133 , 176 , 177 ]. In this review, we performed analysis of the recent literature data related to the applicability of hydrogels for brain tissue regeneration with the focus on essential parameters of each hydrogel type, and their advantages and disadvantages.…”

Cortical Reshaping and Functional Recovery Induced by Silk Fibroin Hydrogels-Encapsulated Stem Cells Implanted in Stroke Animals

“…Genetic engineering, pre-conditioning and cell encapsulation into biomaterial scaffolds constitute technological opportunities in the field ( Bernstock et al, 2017 ). Particularly interesting is the ability of several biomaterials to enhance the survival, retention and integration of therapeutic cells in the brain tissue ( González-Nieto et al, 2018 ). This is the case for hyaluronic acid ( Ballios et al, 2015 ; Moshayedi et al, 2016 ), PLGA ( Bible et al, 2009 ), matrigel ( Jin et al, 2010 ), collagen ( Yu et al, 2010 ), hyaluronan-methylcellulose ( Ballios et al, 2015 ) or thermoreversible polymers ( Osanai et al, 2010 ) among others.…”

“…The use of biomaterials in tissue engineering is booming and has provided examples of how the integration of neurotrophic cells and factors in biomaterial-based polymers results in better post-stroke functional recovery compared to the implantation of therapeutic cells or factors alone ( Guan et al, 2013 ; Jendelova et al, 2016 ; Nih et al, 2016 ). Different natural and synthetic polymers have been used to support stem cell engraftment including hyaluronic acid, collagen, hyaluronan-methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, PLGA, alginate and matrigel among others ( González-Nieto et al, 2018 ).…”

Degradable and Injectable Hydrogel for Drug Delivery in Soft Tissues

“…The 5 wt% copolymer hydrogel was further selected for intracerebral injections, due to its most appropriate modulus (i.e. lowest) 43 , and thus proneness to avoid potential inflammation…”