Title:Mimicking Extracellular Matrix via Engineered Nanostructured Biomaterials for Neural Repair
Volume: 19
Issue: 12
Author(s): Andrea Raspa and Fabrizio Gelain*
Affiliation:
- Tissue Engineering Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies-ISBReMIT, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG),Italy
Keywords:
Biomaterial, nervous regeneration, cell-matrix interactions, surface modification, self-assembling peptides, biomimetics.
Abstract: Extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of proteins, proteoglycans, and different soluble
molecules. ECM provides structural support to mammalian cells. ECM is responsible for important
cell functions, as well as assembling cells into various tissues and organs, regulating growth and
cell-cell interaction. Recent studies have shown the potential of nanostructured biomaterials to mimic
native ECM. Developing tailor-made biomaterials that mimic the complex nanoscale mesh of local
ECM is not a trivial endeavor: bio-inspired biomaterials are designed to supply a healthy ECMlike
structure, capable of filling the lesion cavity, favoring transplanted cell engraftment, providing
physical support to endogenous neurogenesis and also tuning the inflammatory response to protect
spared neurons. The strategies used to manufacture biomimetic hydrogel scaffold represent particularly
important prospects of novel therapies for CNS regeneration. During this review, we describe
with details the most promising regulatory pathways from ECM involved in the CNS injury and regeneration
and we draw a line to the biomimetic potential of engineered nanostructured biomaterials
aimed at mimicking extracellular matrix constructs and favoring the release of pro-regenerative
agents. Lastly, a brief overview of their application in clinical trials is provided.
