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

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...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: González Nieto, Daniel, Fernández García, Laura, Pérez Rigueiro, José, Guinea, Gustavo, Panetsos Petrova, Fivos
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
Repositorio:Docta Complutense
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/19111
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/19111
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biomaterials
Hydrogels
Stem cells
Stroke
Brain repair
Neurociencias (Medicina)
Biotecnología
Bioquímica (Biología)
2490 Neurociencias
3399 Otras Especialidades Tecnológicas
2302 Bioquímica
Descripción
Sumario: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.