Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Book Chapter

Biomaterials Developments for Brain Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is a highly complex organ that works as the control centre of the body, managing vital and non-vital functions. Neuro-diseases can lead to the degeneration of neural tissue, breakage of the neuronal networks which can affect vital functions and originate cognitive deficits. The complexity of the neural networks, their components and the low regenerative capacity of the CNS are on the basis for the lack of recovery, having the need for therapies that can promote tissue repair and recovery. Most brain processes are mediated through molecules (e.g. cytokines, neurotransmitters) and cells response accordingly and to surrounding cues, either biological or physical, which offers molecule administration and/or cell transplantation a great potential for use in brain recovery. Biomaterials and in particular, of natural origin are attractive candidates owed to their intrinsic biological cues and biocompatibility and degradability. Through the use of biomaterials, it is possible to protect the cells/molecules from body clearance, enzymatic degradation while maintaining the components in a place of interest. Moreover, by means of combining several components, it is possible to obtain a more targeted and controlled delivery, to image the biomaterial
implantation and its degradation over time and tackling simultaneously occurring events (cell death and inflammation) in brain diseases. In this chapter, it is reviewed some brain-affecting diseases and the current developments on tissue engineering approaches for a functional recovery of the brain from those diseases.

Journal
Cutting-Edge Enabling Technologies for Regenerative Medicine
Volume
1078
Edition
1
Pagination
323-346
Publisher
Springer Singapore
ISSN
0065-2598
ISBN
2214-8019
URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-0950-2_17
Keywords
Biomaterials, Brain, Cells, Molecules, Tissue engineering
Rights
Open Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
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