Conductive Biomaterials as Substrates for Neural Stem Cells Differentiation towards Neuronal Lineage Cells

Abstract

The injuries and defects in the central nervous system are the causes of disability and death of an affected person. As of now, there are no clinically available methods to enhance neural structural regeneration and functional recovery of nerve injuries. Recently, some experimental studies claimed that the injuries in brain can be repaired by progenitor or neural stem cells located in the neurogenic sites of adult mammalian brain. Various attempts have been made to construct biomimetic physiological microenvironment for neural stem cells to control their ultimate fate. Conductive materials have been considered as one the best choices for nerve regeneration due to the capacity to mimic the microenvironment of stem cells and regulate the alignment, growth, and differentiation of neural stem cells. The review highlights the use of conductive biomaterials, e.g., polypyrrole, polyaniline, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, single‐wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphite oxide, for controlling the neural stem cells activities in terms of proliferation and neuronal differentiation. The effects of conductive biomaterials in axon elongation and synapse formation for optimal repair of central nervous system injuries are also discussed.

Freestanding nanomaterials for subcellular neuronal interfaces

“…Organic conductive nanomaterials have sparked great interest in their ability to electrically modulate neurons. These polymeric hydrogel nanomaterials are often used as supportive scaffolds which satisfy the biochemical and biophysical microenvironment needs for optimal neural functioning while allowing for electrical stimulation to control the activities of the neuron ( Farokhi et al., 2021 ). Organic semiconductors can also inhibit or stimulate action potentials in neurons through light excitation ( Leccardi et al., 2020 ).…”

Hydrogel, Electrospun and Composite Materials for Bone/Cartilage and Neural Tissue Engineering

“…Naturally, electrical signals play a crucial role in neuron functioning. It was proven that electrical stimulation affects NSPC migration [68] and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration [69], thus conductive (and piezoelectric) materials gained a lot of interest for nerve tissue engineering applications [70,71]. Through incorporation into scaffold growth factors (i.e., insulin-like growth factors (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5)), the proliferation, differentiation and guidance of neuronal and glial cells can be improved [72,73].…”

Biosensing surfaces and therapeutic biomaterials for the central nervous system in COVID-19

“…The electrical conductivity of biomaterials, such as polypyrrole, polyaniline, poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene), multi-walled carbon nanotubes, single-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphite oxide, reflects the intrinsic surface properties [133] stepping over obstacles in the path of tissue regeneration in the CNS, which mainly consist of myelin- Fig. 6 Pro-sensing biohybrids for the generation of accelerated antiviral immunity applicable to the first sensory interface between the host and SARS-CoV-2 associated proteins, myelin-associated glycoprotein, neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo-A), oligodendrocyte/myelin glycoprotein, ephrins, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, and semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) along with activated microglia and macrophages and glial scar, and providing guidance cues to neural stem cells (NSC) by different mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of NSC differentiation [133]. COVID-19-associated nerve injuries mostly rooted in the ulnar nerve and the cords of the brachial plexus are presented by neuropathic pain and muscle wasting and affect the upper limb [134].…”