Baiguera, S. et al. Electrospun gelatin scaffolds incorporating rat decellularized brain extracellular matrix for neural tissue engineering.
Therefore, this ELP-based ECM analogue can be used as a bioactive matrix for neural tissue engineering.
Understanding neural differentiation and the development of complex neurite networks in three-dimensional matrices is critical for neural tissue engineering in vitro.
Specific areas of interest include microfluidic devices to study neuronal chemotaxis and neurite guidance within gradients, synthetic matrices for three-dimensional neural cultures, and injectable hydrogels to deliver cells, proteins, and drugs to the central nervous system.
In this context, our data emphasize that the combination of biomimetically engineered recombinant protein and isothermal adsorption approach allows for the facile preparation of bioactive matrix or coating for neural tissue regeneration.
Such aligned matrices can provide guidance for neural cell migration and directional axonal regeneration, which is a key engineering target for neural repair.
Previously mentioned studies [ 25, 26] have discussed potential causative mechanisms for neural ingrowth regarding matrix degradation and have emphasised the role of molecules such as aggrecan in the regulation of neuronal growth.
Sub-micron and nano-scale fibrous scaffolds which mimic the topography of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) can be potential scaffold candidates for neural tissue engineering.
Cell migration is highly stimulated by the extracellular matrix surrounding cells, an effect that is well known for neural crest cells during embryonic neurogenesis.
Garcion, E., Halilagic, A., Faissner, A. & Ffrench-Constant, C. Generation of an environmental niche for neural stem cell development by the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin C. Development 131, 3423 3432 (2004).
