Nanomaterial integration into the scaffolding materials for nerve tissue engineering: a review

Abstract

The nervous system, which consists of a complex network of millions of neurons, is one of the most highly intricate systems in the body. This complex network is responsible for the physiological and cognitive functions of the human body. Following injuries or degenerative diseases, damage to the nervous system is overwhelming because of its complexity and its limited regeneration capacity. However, neural tissue engineering currently has some capacities for repairing nerve deficits and promoting neural regeneration, with more developments in the future. Nevertheless, controlling the guidance of stem cell proliferation and differentiation is a challenging step towards this goal. Nanomaterials have the potential for the guidance of the stem cells towards the neural lineage which can overcome the pitfalls of the classical methods since they provide a unique microenvironment that facilitates cell–matrix and cell–cell interaction, and they can manipulate the cell signaling mechanisms to control stem cells’ fate. In this article, the suitable cell sources and microenvironment cues for neuronal tissue engineering were examined. Afterward, the nanomaterials that impact stem cell proliferation and differentiation towards neuronal lineage were reviewed.

Study of nerve cell regeneration on nanofibers containing cerium oxide nanoparticles in a spinal cord injury model in rats

“…Different types of scaffolds, including electrospun nanofibers, can act as a substrate for nerve cell differentiation and growth, and allow new cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions [20][21][22]. Nanofibers by creating a platform for drug release, prevent the cascade of secondary damage (neuroprotection), while nanofibrous structures help reestablish neural connectivity by promoting axon sprouting (neural regeneration) in order to achieve rapid functional recovery of the spinal cord [23].…”

A review of highly sensitive electrochemical genosensors for microRNA detection: A novel diagnostic platform for neurodegenerative diseases diagnostics

“…After the process of isolation of nerve cells, in the resting phase of G0, it is challenging to repair these cells. Because the nervous system plays crucial roles in cognitive and physiological function, early detection of damage and follow‐up of treatment processes bear extreme sensitivity and particularity 23 . In this review article, we attempt to review researches in this area that was done with the help of miRNA‐based electrochemical biosensors.…”

The Influence of the Surface Topographical Cues of Biomaterials on Nerve Cells in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Review

“…Nerve cells or neurons are responsible for transmitting signals to other cells. They collect signals through dendrites and cell soma and transmit signals through synapses at the end of axons [12]. Therefore, numerous studies have been devoted to the manufacture of the surface pattern of biomaterials for exploring the role of contact guidance.…”