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A Dural Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel with Neural Stem Cells Improves Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Charlotte Lee-Reeves1, Holly N Gregory2, Dunja Gorup2
1Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|July 2, 2026
Summary
A novel hydrogel derived from porcine dura extracellular matrix (ECM) shows promise for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This biomaterial improved motor recovery in mice, both alone and when combined with neural stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are insufficient for preventing permanent tissue damage and secondary injury.
- Neural stem cell transplantation offers a potential therapeutic strategy for TBI by replacing or protecting damaged cells.
- Encapsulating stem cells in a pro-regenerative hydrogel could enhance TBI therapy by localizing cells and modulating inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel derived from porcine dura as a potential therapeutic for TBI.
- To assess the in vitro efficacy of the dural ECM hydrogel in mitigating oxidative stress and influencing matrix remodeling.
- To investigate the in vivo therapeutic potential of the dural ECM hydrogel, alone and in combination with neural stem cells, for TBI recovery.
Main Methods:
- Decellularization of porcine dura to create an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel.
- In vitro assessment of hydrogel effects on hypoxic astrocytes and fibroblast-derived matrices.
- Proteomic analysis of the dural ECM hydrogel composition.
- In vivo evaluation of the hydrogel in a mouse model of controlled cortical impact TBI.
Main Results:
- The dural ECM hydrogel ameliorated oxidative stress in hypoxic astrocytes and influenced collagen remodeling in vitro.
- Proteomic analysis identified 559 proteins and unique matrix-bound vesicles within the dural ECM.
- Mice with TBI treated with the hydrogel alone, neural stem cells, or the combination showed improved motor recovery.
- The hydrogel demonstrated potential as a standalone therapy and as a cell delivery vehicle for TBI.
Conclusions:
- A novel dural ECM hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for TBI treatment.
- The hydrogel can independently improve motor function after TBI and serves as an effective vehicle for neural stem cell delivery.
- This biomaterial warrants further investigation for clinical application in TBI therapy.
