Nerve regeneration using decellularized tissues: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

In tissue engineering, the decellularization of organs and tissues as a biological scaffold plays a critical role in the repair of neurodegenerative diseases. Various protocols for cell removal can distinguish the effects of treatment ability, tissue structure, and extracellular matrix (ECM) ability. Despite considerable progress in nerve regeneration and functional recovery, the slow regeneration and recovery potential of the central nervous system (CNS) remains a challenge. The success of neural tissue engineering is primarily influenced by composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The primary objective of restorative techniques is to guide existing axons properly toward the distal end of the damaged nerve and the target organs. However, due to the limitations of nerve autografts, researchers are seeking alternative methods with high therapeutic efficiency and without the limitations of autograft transplantation. Decellularization scaffolds, due to their lack of immunogenicity and the preservation of essential factors in the ECM and high angiogenic ability, provide a suitable three-dimensional (3D) substrate for the adhesion and growth of axons being repaired toward the target organs. This study focuses on mentioning the types of scaffolds used in nerve regeneration, and the methods of tissue decellularization, and specifically explores the use of decellularized nerve tissues (DNT) for nerve transplantation.

Exploring an innovative decellularization protocol for porcine nerve grafts: a translational approach to peripheral nerve repair

“…This research is crucial for advancing the treatment of severe nerve injuries where traditional methods may not be sufficient ( Garcia-Garcia et al, 2023 ). Decellularized nerve grafts should provide a suitable substrate for nerve regeneration in which the conservation of ECM components plays a crucial role for peripheral nerve regeneration and axonal guidance ( Hsu et al, 2023 ; Mahdian et al, 2023 ). The currently available decellularized methods are time and effort consuming ( El Soury et al, 2021 ).…”

Biomaterials targeting the microenvironment for spinal cord injury repair: progression and perspectives

“…Following a SCI, there is a disruption in electrical signaling and a decrease in the presence of NGF ( Wang et al, 2019 ). Both electrical impulses and NGF play crucial roles in facilitating the development, migration, and differentiation of neurons ( Mahdian et al, 2023 ). ES is frequently employed in the therapeutic management of SCI.…”

Exploring the properties and potential of the neural extracellular matrix for next‐generation regenerative therapies

“…These biological protocols are generally less aggressive than detergent‐based protocols, but require the combinatorial use of chemical or physical agents to efficiently remove the resulting cellular debris (Akbari Zahmati et al, 2017; Keane et al, 2015; Mendibil et al, 2020; Nellinger et al, 2022). More detailed information on these decellularization methods can be found in the following references (Buckenmeyer et al, 2020; Mahdian et al, 2023; Moffat et al, 2022; Rabbani et al, 2021; Zhang et al, 2022).…”