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Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
Electrically active nanomaterials as improved neural tissue regeneration scaffolds.
Justin T Seil1, Thomas J Webster
1Laboratory for Nanomedicine Research, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02917, USA.
Summary
Nanotechnology enhances nervous system repair by mimicking natural tissue with nanoscale features. Combining topographical and electrical cues, like piezoelectric zinc oxide, promotes superior neural regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Biomaterials show promise for nervous system repair but face challenges like incomplete regeneration.
- Current tissue engineering scaffolds need improvement for full functional recovery.
- Nanotechnology offers nanoscale surface features that mimic natural neural tissue, improving cell activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how nanotechnology, specifically nanoscale surface features, can advance nervous system tissue engineering scaffolds.
- To investigate the potential of combining topographical, chemical, and electrical cues within scaffolds for enhanced neural regeneration.
- To highlight the role of electrically active nanomaterials, such as zinc oxide, in stimulating neural tissue repair.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating nanotechnology with nanoscale surface features into tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Designing scaffolds with combined topographical and chemical or electrical cues.
- Investigating composite materials with piezoelectric zinc oxide nanoparticles for electrical stimulation.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials enhance desirable neural cell activity and minimize unwanted activity (e.g., reactive astrocytes).
- Multifaceted approaches combining nanoscale cues offer a superior regenerative environment compared to inert scaffolds.
- Electrically active nanomaterials, like zinc oxide, can provide electrical stimulation beneficial for neural regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology provides customized biomaterials to address the complexity of neural tissue injury.
- Combining nanoscale surface dimensions with electrical activity in scaffolds can significantly enhance neural tissue regeneration.
- Multifaceted nanotechnology approaches warrant further investigation for neural tissue regeneration applications.
