Interactions of Cells and Biomaterials for Nerve Tissue Engineering: Polymers and Fabrication

Abstract

Neural injuries affect millions globally, significantly impacting their quality of life. The inability of these injuries to heal, limited ability to regenerate, and the lack of available treatments make regenerative medicine and tissue engineering a promising field of research for developing methods for nerve repair. This review evaluates the use of natural and synthetic polymers, and the fabrication methods applied that influence a cell’s behavior. Methods include cross-linking hydrogels, incorporation of nanoparticles, and 3D printing with and without live cells. The endogenous cells within the injured area and any exogenous cells seeded on the polymer construct play a vital role in regulating healthy neural activity. This review evaluates the body’s local and systemic reactions to the implanted materials. Although numerous variables are involved, many of these materials and methods have exhibited the potential to provide a biomaterial environment that promotes biocompatibility and the regeneration of a physical and functional nerve. Future studies may evaluate advanced methods for modifying material properties and characterizing the tissue–biomaterial interface for clinical applications.

Biodegradable Polymers in Biomedical Applications: A Review—Developments, Perspectives and Future Challenges

“…Their popularity is a result of their fairly easy availability, the low costs associated with production and their biocompatibility with living tissues [27,28]. Additionally, natural polymers are able to restore or maintain natural biological conditions, restoring function and providing structural support for the extracellular matrix (ECM) [29,30]. These are important features that support healthy, functional interactions between tissues and implanted polymers.…”

“…It is hard to produce multiple samples from natural polymers that have consistent parameters and properties. The repeatability of results for these materials is low, and fabrication technologies such as sol-gel-although simple-do not give identical results [29,31]. Natural polymers have found widespread uses in regenerative medicine as dressing materials for hard-to-heal wounds, cosmetics and systems for controlled drug release.…”