Dual-function injectable angiogenic biomaterial for the repair of brain tissue following stroke

Graphene oxide scaffolds promote functional improvements mediated by scaffold-invading axons in thoracic transected rats

Millions of patients and their caretakers live and deal with the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide. Despite outstanding advances in the field to both understand and tackle these pathologies, a cure for SCI patients, with their peculiar characteristics, is still a mirage. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies to date for these patients involves the use of epidural electrical stimulation. In this context, electrically active materials such as graphene and its derivates become particularly interesting. Indeed, solid evidence of their capacity to closely interact with neural cells and networks is growing. Encouraged by previous findings in our laboratory on the exploration of 3D porous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) scaffolds in chronic cervical hemisected rats (C6), herein we report their neuro-reparative properties when chronically implanted in complete transected rats (T9-T10), in which no preserved contralateral neural networks can assist in any observed recovery. Electrophysiological recordings from brainstem regions show antidromic activation of a small population of neurons in response to electrical stimulation caudal to the injury. These neurons are located in the Gigantocellular nucleus of reticular formation and vestibular nuclei, both regions directly related to motor functions. Together with histological features at the lesion site, such as more abundant and larger blood vessels and more abundant, longer and more homogeneously distributed axons, our results corroborate that rGO scaffolds create a permissive environment that allows the invasion of functional axonic processes from neurons located in brainstem nuclei with motor function in a rat model of complete thoracic transection. Additionally, behavioral tests evidence that these scaffolds play an important role in whole-body mechanical stabilization (postural control) proved by the absence of scoliosis, a higher trunk stability and a larger cervico-thoraco-lumbar movement range in rGO-implanted rats.

bFGF-Chitosan "brain glue" promotes functional recovery after cortical ischemic stroke

The mammalian brain has an extremely limited ability to regenerate lost neurons and to recover function following ischemic stroke. A biomaterial strategy of slowly-releasing various regeneration-promoting factors to activate endogenous neurogenesis represents a safe and practical neuronal replacement therapy. In this study, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-Chitosan gel is injected into the stroke cavity. This approach promotes the proliferation of vascular endothelial cell, the formation of functional vascular network, and the final restoration of cerebral blood flow. Additionally, bFGF-Chitosan gel activates neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ), promotes the NPCs' migration toward the stroke cavity and differentiation into mature neurons with diverse cell types (inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons and excitatory glutamatergic neuron) and layer architecture (superficial cortex and deep cortex). These new-born neurons form functional synaptic connections with the host brain and reconstruct nascent neural networks. Furthermore, synaptogenesis in the stroke cavity and Nestin lineage cells respectively contribute to the improvement of sensorimotor function induced by bFGF-Chitosan gel after ischemic stroke. Lastly, bFGF-Chitosan gel inhibits microglia activation in the peri-infarct cortex. Our findings indicate that filling the stroke cavity with bFGF-Chitosan "brain glue" promotes angiogenesis, endogenous neurogenesis and synaptogenesis to restore function, offering innovative ideas and methods for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke.

Minimally Invasive Syringe-Injectable Hydrogel with Angiogenic Factors for Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Ischemic stroke (IS) accounts for most stroke incidents and causes intractable damage to brain tissue. This condition manifests as diverse aftereffects, such as motor impairment, emotional disturbances, and dementia. However, a fundamental approach to curing IS remains unclear. This study proposes a novel approach for treating IS by employing minimally invasive and injectable jammed gelatin-norbornene nanofibrous hydrogels (GNF) infused with growth factors (GFs). The developed GNF/GF hydrogels are administered to the motor cortex of a rat IS model to evaluate their therapeutic effects on IS-induced motor dysfunction. GNFs mimic a natural fibrous extracellular matrix architecture and can be precisely injected into a targeted brain area. The syringe-injectable jammed nanofibrous hydrogel system increased angiogenesis, inflammation, and sensorimotor function in the IS-affected brain. For clinical applications, the biocompatible GNF hydrogel has the potential to efficiently load disease-specific drugs, enabling targeted therapy for treating a wide range of neurological diseases.

Microglial cell proliferation is regulated, in part, by reactive astrocyte ETBR signaling after ischemic stroke

Reciprocal communication between reactive astrocytes and microglial cells provides local, coordinated control over critical processes such as neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, and scar formation after CNS injury, but is poorly understood. The vasoactive peptide hormone endothelin (ET) is released and/or secreted by endothelial cells, microglial cells and astrocytes early after ischemic stroke and other forms of brain injury. To better understand glial cell communication after stroke, we sought to identify paracrine effectors produced and secreted downstream of astroglial endothelin receptor B (ETBR) signaling. Using a genetic loss-of-function screen, we identified angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) as a factor produced by reactive astrocytes in response to ET. In experiments with primary adult astrocytes stimulated by IRL1620, a specific ETBR agonist, we found that ERK1/2 and NFkB mediated the effects of ET on Ang-2 production. To determine astroglial Ang-2 levels in vivo, reactive astrocytes expressing the high affinity glutamate transporter (GLAST, EAAT1) were isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting 3 days after stroke. Astrocytes obtained from the ipsilateral hemisphere expressed significantly more Ang-2 compared with astrocytes isolated from the contralateral hemisphere, or from cortices of sham-operated (control) mice. Notably, analysis of microglia sorted from CX3CR1-eGFP mice demonstrated increased cell surface expression of Tie-2, the Ang-2 receptor, on cells obtained from ipsilateral versus contralateral tissue. Addition of recombinant Ang-2 to astrocyte-conditioned medium significantly increased the number of SIM-A9 murine microglial cells cultured under hypoxic conditions (1 % oxygen for 48 h). In transgenic GFAP-CreER™-EDNRB-fl/fl mice with stroke, conditional knockout of astroglial ETBR significantly decreased the number of proliferating cells in the peri-infarct area with a microglial phenotype (Ki67+/CD11b+). Our results indicate that Ang-2, and possibly other paracrine effectors functioning downstream of astroglial ETBR signaling, are important mediators of microglial cell dynamics after stroke.

ROS-triggered biomimetic hydrogel soft scaffold for ischemic stroke repair

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from ischemic stroke (IS). The focal hypo-perfused brain brings about hostile pathological environment, which further restricts endogenous neurogenesis post-stroke. In this work, we report an ROS-triggered hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet lysates (pls) composite biomimetic hydrogel soft scaffold (pls gel) encapsulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)-responsive triglycerol monostearate nanoparticles loaded with docosahexaenoic acid (TGMS@DHA, TD). Pls gel was chosen to be the hydrogel matrix to mimic brain extracellular matrix (ECM) to provide physical support for cell infiltration and accelerate angiogenesis as a growth factors (GFs) box. The borate ester bonded hydrogel could respond to reactive oxygen species and relieve oxidative stress. The loaded TD nanoparticles could be enzymatically cleaved by overexpressed MMPs in cerebral infarcted site, which could improve the adverse effects triggered by overexpressed MMPs. DHA with rich unsaturated bonds was proven that not only inhibit neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress, but also take part in promote neurogenesis. In brief, the ROS-triggered hydrogel scaffold pls gel@TD created an optimized microenvironment to manipulate the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells and promote endogenous regenerative repair processes. The in vitro results exhibited the biomimetic soft scaffold eliminated oxygen-glucose deprivation-derived free radical, saved mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and promoted neovascularization. In the mice focal IS model, the biomimetic hydrogel scaffold regulated pathological environment in the ischemic site and induced migration and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells, consequently relieved neuron ischemia injury. During the long-term observation, the hydrogel improved mice neurobehavioral functions. In conclusion, the hydrogel soft scaffold pls gel@TD was demonstrated to have promising therapeutic effects on remodeling pathological environment by transforming the hostile state into a pro-regenerative one in the infarct site, consequently promoting endogenous regenerative repair processes.

Clustered VEGF Nanoparticles in Microporous Annealed Particle (MAP) Hydrogel Accelerates Functional Recovery and Brain Tissue Repair after Stroke

Ischemic stroke, a blockage in the vasculature of the brain that results in insufficient blood flow, is one of the world's leading causes of disability. The cascade of inflammation and cell death that occurs immediately following stroke drives vascular and functional loss that does not fully recover over time, and no FDA-approved therapies exist that stimulate regeneration post-stroke. We have previously developed a hydrogel scaffold that delivered heparin nanoparticles with and without VEGF bound to their surface to promote angiogenesis and reduce inflammation, respectively. However, the inclusion of the naked heparin nanoparticles warranted concern over the development of bleeding complications. Here, we explore how microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds functionalized with VEGF coated heparin nanoparticles can both reduce inflammation and promote angiogenesis - without the inclusion of free heparin nanoparticles. We show that our updated design not only successfully promotes de novo tissue formation, including the development of mature vessels and neurite sprouting, but it also leads to functional improvement in a photothrombotic stroke model. In addition, we find increased astrocyte infiltration into the infarct site correlated with mature vessel formation. This work demonstrates how our biomaterial design can enhance endogenous regeneration post-stroke while eliminating the need for excess heparin.

Silk-based biomaterials for promoting spinal cord regeneration: A review

The management of neurological disorders is profoundly complicated by spinal cord injury (SCI), which leads to the impairment of motor and sensory functions. A major challenge in the treatment of SCI is the formation of a dysfunctional pathological microenvironment characterized by an excessive inflammatory response, deposition of inhibitory molecules, glial scarring, and vascular dysfunction. A thorough understanding of the pathological and physiological changes following SCI is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying functional recovery and to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Recent research indicates that the adverse microenvironment associated with SCI can be modified through the implantation of functional biomaterials at the injury site, thereby facilitating axonal regeneration, myelin repair, and functional recovery. Silk fibroin, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in SCI reconstruction due to its superior biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable mechanical properties. This review provides an overview of the pathological microenvironmental dysfunctions following SCI and explores the potential advantages of silk fibroin in enhancing axonal regeneration and neural circuit formation in SCI repair. The benefits and challenges associated with silk fibroin and its derivatives in facilitating effective SCI repair are examined. This review aims to offer significant insights into the application of silk-based biomaterials for SCI treatment.

Application of Adipose Extracellular Matrix and Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Graphene-based materials (GBMs) hold strong promise to restore the spinal cord microenvironment and promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Nanocomposites consisting of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and adipose tissue-derived extracellular matrix (adECM) are known to promote neuronal growth in vitro and to evoke a biocompatible response in vivo when implanted on top of the intact spinal cord. In this study, pristine adECM and adECM-rGO nanocomposites are implanted directly after hemisection SCI in rats. Scaffolds composed of collagen type I (COL) are applied as negative control, based on evidence that COL triggers integrin-mediated astrogliosis. However, COL scaffolds induce orthotopic bone formation in the lesion site and are therefore excluded from further analyses. Compared to pristine adECM, adECM-rGO nanocomposites completely restore spinal cord integrity. Macrophage-mediated uptake and clearance of rGO remnants is observed as early as 3 weeks post-implantation. Nanocomposites show an elevated presence of βIII-tubulin-positive axons in the host-material interface after 8 weeks, yet scaffold penetration by axons is only occasionally observed. This is partially due to an increased expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) within the nanocomposites, even though reactive astrogliosis is unaltered. Despite the complete restoration of tissue architecture, adECM-rGO treatment does not significantly improve functional recovery.

A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases: newborn neurons

It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons. Yet over recent decades, numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system, including humans'. This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant, and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury, and describe novel treatment strategies that target endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury. Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis, encompassing the activation, proliferation, ectopic migration, differentiation, and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells. Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment, most activated neural stem cells differentiate into glial cells rather than neurons. Consequently, the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function. Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies, including using neurotrophic factors, bioactive materials, and cell reprogramming techniques. Used alone or in combination, these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area, ensure their survival and differentiation into mature functional neurons, and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit. Thus can integration replenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury, by improving the local microenvironment. By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis, endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons. This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.

The association between social support and prosocial behavior: A three-level meta-analysis

Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior and have concluded that social support is an important factor in generating prosocial behavior. However, different studies have produced different conclusions, and the moderating effect on the relationship is not entirely clear. The current study uses a three-level meta-analysis method to clarify the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior, and explores the moderating variables that affect the relationship between the two variables. Through a systematic literature search, a total of 92 studies, 418 effect sizes, and 74,378 participants were obtained. The main effects test found a significant positive correlation between social support and prosocial behavior. Tests of the moderating effects indicated that the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior was moderated by year of publication, source of social support, measurement of social support and measurement of prosocial behavior. In summary, social support plays an important role in prosocial behavior, and exploring their relationship is beneficial to families, schools and society in guiding individuals' prosocial behavior.

Brain repair mechanisms after cell therapy for stroke

Cell-based therapies hold great promise for brain repair after stroke. While accumulating evidence confirms the preclinical and clinical benefits of cell therapies, the underlying mechanisms by which they promote brain repair remain unclear. Here, we briefly review endogenous mechanisms of brain repair after ischaemic stroke and then focus on how different stem and progenitor cell sources can promote brain repair. Specifically, we examine how transplanted cell grafts contribute to improved functional recovery either through direct cell replacement or by stimulating endogenous repair pathways. Additionally, we discuss recently implemented preclinical refinement methods, such as preconditioning, microcarriers, genetic safety switches and universal (immune evasive) cell transplants, as well as the therapeutic potential of these pharmacologic and genetic manipulations to further enhance the efficacy and safety of cell therapies. By gaining a deeper understanding of post-ischaemic repair mechanisms, prospective clinical trials may be further refined to advance post-stroke cell therapy to the clinic.

Biomaterials and tissue engineering in traumatic brain injury: novel perspectives on promoting neural regeneration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious medical condition that can be attributed to falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and acts of violence, causing a series of neural injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, limited accessibility to the injury sites, complicated histological and anatomical structure, intricate cellular and extracellular milieu, lack of regenerative capacity in the native cells, vast variety of damage routes, and the insufficient time available for treatment have restricted the widespread application of several therapeutic methods in cases of central nervous system injury. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged as innovative approaches in the field of nerve regeneration. By combining biomaterials, stem cells, and growth factors, these approaches have provided a platform for developing effective treatments for neural injuries, which can offer the potential to restore neural function, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the need for drugs and invasive surgical procedures. Biomaterials have shown advantages in promoting neural development, inhibiting glial scar formation, and providing a suitable biomimetic neural microenvironment, which makes their application promising in the field of neural regeneration. For instance, bioactive scaffolds loaded with stem cells can provide a biocompatible and biodegradable milieu. Furthermore, stem cells-derived exosomes combine the advantages of stem cells, avoid the risk of immune rejection, cooperate with biomaterials to enhance their biological functions, and exert stable functions, thereby inducing angiogenesis and neural regeneration in patients with traumatic brain injury and promoting the recovery of brain function. Unfortunately, biomaterials have shown positive effects in the laboratory, but when similar materials are used in clinical studies of human central nervous system regeneration, their efficacy is unsatisfactory. Here, we review the characteristics and properties of various bioactive materials, followed by the introduction of applications based on biochemistry and cell molecules, and discuss the emerging role of biomaterials in promoting neural regeneration. Further, we summarize the adaptive biomaterials infused with exosomes produced from stem cells and stem cells themselves for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Finally, we present the main limitations of biomaterials for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and offer insights into their future potential.

Research Advances in Neuroblast Migration in Traumatic Brain Injury

Neuroblasts were first derived from the adult mammalian brains in the 1990s by Reynolds et al. Since then, persistent neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) has gradually been recognized. To date, reviews on neuroblast migration have largely investigated glial cells and molecular signaling mechanisms, while the relationship between vasculature and cell migration remains a mystery. Thus, this paper underlines the partial biological features of neuroblast migration and unravels the significance and mechanisms of the vasculature in the process to further clarify theoretically the neural repair mechanism after brain injury. Neuroblast migration presents three modes according to the characteristics of cells that act as scaffolds during the migration process: gliophilic migration, neurophilic migration, and vasophilic migration. Many signaling molecules, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), affect vasophilic migration, synergistically regulating the migration of neuroblasts to target areas along blood vessels. However, the precise role of blood vessels in the migration of neuroblasts needs to be further explored. The in-depth study of neuroblast migration will most probably provide theoretical basis and breakthrough for the clinical treatment of brain injury diseases.

Sustained Release of Nitric Oxide-Mediated Angiogenesis and Nerve Repair by Mussel-Inspired Adaptable Microreservoirs for Brain Traumatic Injury Therapy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers inflammatory response and glial scarring, thus substantially hindering brain tissue repair. This process is exacerbated by the accumulation of activated immunocytes at the injury site, which contributes to scar formation and impedes tissue repair. In this study, a mussel-inspired nitric oxide-release microreservoir (MINOR) that combines the features of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers and sustained NO release to promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis is developed for TBI therapy. The injectable MINOR fabricated using a microfluidic device exhibits excellent monodispersity and gel-like self-healing properties, thus allowing the maintenance of its structural integrity and functionality upon injection. Furthermore, polydopamine in the MINOR enhances cell adhesion, significantly reduces ROS levels, and suppresses inflammation. Moreover, a nitric oxide (NO) donor embedded into the MINOR enables the sustained release of NO, thus facilitating angiogenesis and mitigating inflammatory responses. By harnessing these synergistic effects, the biocompatible MINOR demonstrates remarkable efficacy in enhancing recovery in mice. These findings benefit future therapeutic interventions for patients with TBI.

Intracerebral Administration of a Novel Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel Is Safe and Supports Cell Proliferation in Experimental Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest form of stroke, but current treatment options are limited, meaning ICH survivors are often left with life-changing disabilities. The significant unmet clinical need and socioeconomic burden of ICH mean novel regenerative medicine approaches are gaining interest. To facilitate the regeneration of the ICH lesion, injectable biomimetic hydrogels are proposed as both scaffolds for endogenous repair and delivery platforms for pro-regenerative therapies. In this paper, the objective was to explore whether injection of a novel self-assembling peptide hydrogel (SAPH) Alpha2 was feasible, safe and could stimulate brain tissue regeneration, in a collagenase-induced ICH model in rats. Alpha2 was administered intracerebrally at 7 days post ICH and functional outcome measures, histological markers of damage and repair and RNA-sequencing were investigated for up to 8 weeks. The hydrogel Alpha2 was safe, well-tolerated and was retained in the lesion for several weeks, where it allowed infiltration of host cells. The hydrogel had a largely neutral effect on functional outcomes and expression of angiogenic and neurogenic markers but led to increased numbers of proliferating cells. RNAseq and pathway analysis showed that ICH altered genes related to inflammatory and phagocytic pathways, and these changes were also observed after administration of hydrogel. Overall, the results show that the novel hydrogel was safe when injected intracerebrally and had no negative effects on functional outcomes but increased cell proliferation. To elicit a regenerative effect, future studies could use a functionalised hydrogel or combine it with an adjunct therapy.

SDF-1 Bound Heparin Nanoparticles Recruit Progenitor Cells for Their Differentiation and Promotion of Angiogenesis after Stroke

Angiogenesis after stroke is correlated with enhanced tissue repair and functional outcomes. The existing body of research in biomaterials for stroke focuses on hydrogels for the delivery of stem cells, growth factors, or small molecules or drugs. Despite the ability of hydrogels to enhance all these delivery methods, no material has significantly regrown vasculature within the translatable timeline of days to weeks after stroke. Here, two novel biomaterial formulations of granular hydrogels are developed for tissue regeneration after stroke: highly porous microgels (i.e., Cryo microgels) and microgels bound with heparin-norbornene nanoparticles with covalently bound SDF-1α. The combination of these materials results in perfused vessels throughout the stroke core in only 10 days, in addition to increased neural progenitor cell recruitment, maintenance, and increased neuronal differentiation.

Clickable Granular Hydrogel Scaffolds for Delivery of Neural Progenitor Cells to Sites of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition with limited treatment options. Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising treatment option, and the identification of novel biomaterial scaffolds that support NPC engraftment and therapeutic activity is a top research priority. The objective of this study is to evaluate in situ assembled poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based granular hydrogels for NPC delivery in a murine model of SCI. Microgel precursors are synthesized by using thiol-norbornene click chemistry to react four-armed PEG-amide-norbornene with enzymatically degradable and cell adhesive peptides. Unreacted norbornene groups are utilized for in situ assembly into scaffolds using a PEG-di-tetrazine linker. The granular hydrogel scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility and do not adversely affect the inflammatory response after SCI. Moreover, when used to deliver NPCs, the granular hydrogel scaffolds supported NPC engraftment, do not adversely affect the immune response to the NPC grafts, and successfully support graft differentiation toward neuronal or astrocytic lineages as well as axonal extension into the host tissue. Collectively, these data establish PEG-based granular hydrogel scaffolds as a suitable biomaterial platform for NPC delivery and justify further testing, particularly in the context of more severe SCI.

Mimicking Mytilus edulis foot protein: A versatile strategy for robust biomedical coatings

Universal coatings with versatile surface adhesion, good mechanochemical robustness, and the capacity for secondary modification are of great scientific interest. However, incorporating these advantages into a system is still a great challenge. Here, we report a series of catechol-decorated polyallylamines (CPAs), denoted as pseudo-Mytilus edulis foot protein 5 (pseudo-Mefp-5), that mimic not only the catechol and amine groups but also the backbone of Mefp-5. CPAs can fabricate highly adhesive, robust, multifunctional polyCPA (PCPA) coatings based on synergetic catechol-polyamine chemistry as universal building blocks. Due to the interpenetrating entangled network architectures, these coatings exhibit high chemical robustness against harsh conditions (HCl, pH 1; NaOH, pH 14; H2O2, 30%), good mechanical robustness, and wear resistance. In addition, PCPA coatings provide abundant grafting sites, enabling the fabrication of various functional surfaces through secondary modification. Furthermore, the versatility, multifaceted robustness, and scalability of PCPA coatings indicate their great potential for surface engineering, especially for withstanding harsh conditions in multipurpose biomedical applications.

The advantages of multi-level omics research on stem cell-based therapies for ischemic stroke

Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. However, despite many years of preclinical research, the application of stem cells is still limited to the clinical trial stage. Although stem cell therapy can be highly beneficial in promoting functional recovery, the precise mechanisms of action that are responsible for this effect have yet to be fully elucidated. Omics analysis provides us with a new perspective to investigate the physiological mechanisms and multiple functions of stem cells in ischemic stroke. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses have become important tools for discovering biomarkers and analyzing molecular changes under pathological conditions. Omics analysis could help us to identify new pathways mediated by stem cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke via stem cell therapy, thereby facilitating the translation of stem cell therapies into clinical use. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and discuss recent progress in the development of stem cell therapies for the treatment of ischemic stroke by applying multi-level omics. We also discuss changes in RNAs, proteins, and metabolites in the cerebral tissues and body fluids under stroke conditions and following stem cell treatment, and summarize the regulatory factors that play a key role in stem cell therapy. The exploration of stem cell therapy at the molecular level will facilitate the clinical application of stem cells and provide new treatment possibilities for the complete recovery of neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke.

Hydrogel-based approaches to target hypersensitivity mechanisms underlying autoimmune disease

A robust adaptive immune response is essential for combatting pathogens. In the wrong context such as due to genetic and environmental factors, however, the same mechanisms crucial for self-preservation can lead to a loss of self-tolerance. Resulting autoimmunity manifests in the development of a host of organ-specific or systemic autoimmune diseases, hallmarked by aberrant immune responses and tissue damage. The prevalence of autoimmune diseases is on the rise, medical management of which focuses primarily on pharmacological immunosuppression that places patients at a risk of side effects, including opportunistic infections and tumorigenesis. Biomaterial-based drug delivery systems confer many opportunities to address challenges associated with conventional disease management. Hydrogels, in particular, can protect encapsulated cargo (drug or cell therapeutics) from the host environment, afford their presentation in a controlled manner, and can be tailored to respond to disease conditions or support treatment via multiplexed functionality. Moreover, localized delivery to affected sites by these approaches has the potential to concentrate drug action at the site, reduce off-target exposure, and enhance patient compliance by reducing the need for frequent administration. Despite their many benefits for the management of autoimmune disease, such biomaterial-based approaches focus largely on the downstream effects of hypersensitivity mechanisms and have a limited capacity to eradicate the disease. In contrast, direct targeting of mechanisms of hypersensitivity reactions uniquely enables prophylaxis or the arrest of disease progression by mitigating the basis of autoimmunity. One promising approach is to induce self-antigen-specific tolerance, which specifically subdues damaging autoreactivity while otherwise retaining the normal immune responses. In this review, we will discuss hydrogel-based systems for the treatment of autoimmune disease, with a focus on those that target hypersensitivity mechanisms head-on. As the field continues to advance, it will expand the range of therapeutic choices for people coping with autoimmune diseases, providing fresh prospects for better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life.

A molecular brain atlas reveals cellular shifts during the repair phase of stroke

Ischemic stroke triggers a cascade of pathological events that affect multiple cell types and often lead to incomplete functional recovery. Despite advances in single-cell technologies, the molecular and cellular responses that contribute to long-term post-stroke impairment remain poorly understood. To gain better insight into the underlying mechanisms, we generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas from distinct brain regions using a mouse model of permanent focal ischemia at one month post-injury. Our findings reveal cell- and region-specific changes within the stroke-injured and peri-infarct brain tissue. For instance, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons exhibited upregulated genes in signaling pathways involved in axon guidance and synaptic plasticity, and downregulated pathways associated with aerobic metabolism. Using cell-cell communication analysis, we identified increased strength in predicted interactions within stroke tissue among both neural and non-neural cells via signaling pathways such as those involving collagen, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor, neuronal growth regulator, laminin, and several cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between mouse transcriptome responses after stroke and those observed in human nonfatal brain stroke lesions. Common molecular features were linked to inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix organization, and angiogenesis. Our findings provide a detailed resource for advancing our molecular understanding of stroke pathology and for discovering therapeutic targets in the repair phase of stroke recovery.

Permselectivity of Silk Fibroin Hydrogels for Advanced Drug Delivery Neurotherapies

A promising trend in tissue engineering is using biomaterials to improve the control of drug concentration in targeted tissue. These vehicular systems are of specific interest when the required treatment time window is higher than the stability of therapeutic molecules in the body. Herein, the capacity of silk fibroin hydrogels to release different molecules and drugs in a sustained manner was evaluated. We found that a biomaterial format, obtained by an entirely aqueous-based process, could release molecules of variable molecular weight and charge with a preferential delivery of negatively charged molecules. Although the theoretical modeling suggested that drug delivery was more likely to be driven by Fickian diffusion, the external media had a considerable influence on the release, with lipophilic organic solvents such as acetonitrile-methanol (ACN-MeOH) intensifying the release of hydrophobic molecules. Second, we found that silk fibroin could be used as a vehicular system to treat a variety of brain disorders as this biomaterial sustained the release of different factors with neurotrophic (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) (BDNF), chemoattractant (C-X-C motif chemokine 12) (CXCL12), anti-inflammatory (TGF-β-1), and angiogenic (VEGF) capacities. Finally, we demonstrated that this biomaterial hydrogel could release cholesteronitrone ISQ201, a nitrone with antioxidant capacity, showing neuroprotective activity in an in vitro model of ischemia-reoxygenation. Given the slow degradation rate shown by silk fibroin in many biological tissues, including the nervous system, our study expands the restricted list of drug delivery-based biomaterial systems with therapeutic capacity for both short- and especially long-term treatment windows and has merit for use with brain pathologies.

Neurorestorative Approaches for Ischemic StrokeChallenges, Opportunities, and Recent Advances

Despite recent advances in acute stroke management, most patients experiencing a stroke will suffer from residual brain damage and functional impairment. Addressing those residual deficits would require neurorestoration, i.e., rebuilding brain tissue to repair the structural brain damage caused by stroke. However, there are major pathobiological, anatomical and technological hurdles making neurorestorative approaches remarkably challenging, and true neurorestoration after larger ischemic lesions could not yet be achieved. On the other hand, there has been steady advancement in our understanding of the limits of tissue regeneration in the adult mammalian brain as well as of the fundamental organization of brain tissue growth during embryo- and ontogenesis. This has been paralleled by the development of novel animal models to study stroke, advancement of biomaterials that can be used to support neurorestoration, and in stem cell technologies. This review gives a detailed explanation of the major hurdles so far preventing the achievement of neurorestoration after stroke. It will also describe novel concepts and advancements in biomaterial science, brain organoid culturing, and animal modeling that may enable the investigation of post-stroke neurorestorative approaches in translationally relevant setups. Finally, there will be a review of recent achievements in experimental studies that have the potential to be the starting point of research and development activities that may eventually bring post-stroke neurorestoration within reach.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Loaded Hydrogel Improves Surgical Treatment for Chronic Cerebral Ischemia

Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) results in a prolonged insufficient blood supply to the brain tissue, leading to impaired neuronal function and subsequent impairment of cognitive and motor abilities. Our previous research showed that in mice with bilateral carotid artery stenosis, the collateral neovascularization post Encephalo-myo-synangiosis (EMS) treatment could be facilitated by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation. Considering the advantages of biomaterials, we synthesized and modified a gelatin hydrogel for MSCs encapsulation. We then applied this hydrogel on the brain surface during EMS operation in rats with CCI, and evaluated its impact on cognitive performance and collateral circulation. Consequently, MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel significantly augment the therapeutic effects of EMS, potentially by promoting neovascularization, facilitating neuronal differentiation, and suppressing neuroinflammation. Furthermore, taking advantage of multi-RNA-sequencing and in silico analysis, we revealed that MSCs loaded in hydrogel regulate PDCD4 and CASP2 through the overexpression of miR-183-5p and miR-96-5p, thereby downregulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibiting early apoptosis. In conclusion, a gelatin hydrogel to enhance the functionality of MSCs has been developed, and its combination with EMS treatment can improve the therapeutic effect in rats with CCI, suggesting its potential clinical benefit.

Injectable Hydrogels: A Paradigm Tailored with Design, Characterization, and Multifaceted Approaches

Biomaterials denoting self-healing and versatile structural integrity are highly curious in the biomedicine segment. The injectable and/or printable 3D printing technology is explored in a few decades back, which can alter their dimensions temporarily under shear stress, showing potential healing/recovery tendency with patient-specific intervention toward the development of personalized medicine. Thus, self-healing injectable hydrogels (IHs) are stunning toward developing a paradigm for tissue regeneration. This review comprises the designing of IHs, rheological characterization and stability, several benchmark consequences for self-healing IHs, their translation into tissue regeneration of specific types, applications of IHs in biomedical such as anticancer and immunomodulation, wound healing and tissue/bone regeneration, antimicrobial potentials, drugs, gene and vaccine delivery, ocular delivery, 3D printing, cosmeceuticals, and photothermal therapy as well as in other allied avenues like agriculture, aerospace, electronic/electrical industries, coating approaches, patents associated with therapeutic/nontherapeutic avenues, and numerous futuristic challenges and solutions.

Biomaterials-Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering

For many clinically prevalent severe injuries, the inherent regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle remains inadequate. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) seeks to meet this clinical demand. With continuous progress in biomedicine and related technologies including micro/nanotechnology and 3D printing, numerous studies have uncovered various intrinsic mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and developed tailored biomaterial systems based on these understandings. Here, the skeletal muscle structure and regeneration process are discussed and the diverse biomaterial systems derived from various technologies are explored in detail. Biomaterials serve not merely as local niches for cell growth, but also as scaffolds endowed with structural or physicochemical properties that provide tissue regenerative cues such as topographical, electrical, and mechanical signals. They can also act as delivery systems for stem cells and bioactive molecules that have been shown as key participants in endogenous repair cascades. To achieve bench-to-bedside translation, the typical effect enabled by biomaterial systems and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms are also summarized. Insights into the roles of biomaterials in SMTE from cellular and molecular perspectives are provided. Finally, perspectives on the advancement of SMTE are provided, for which gene therapy, exosomes, and hybrid biomaterials may hold promise to make important contributions.

Neurogenic and angiogenic poly(N-acryloylglycine)-co-(acrylamide)-co-(N-acryloyl-glutamate) hydrogel: preconditioning effect under oxidative stress and use in neuroregeneration

Traumatic injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress serve as the early biomarkers for neuronal damage and impede angiogenesis and subsequently neuronal growth. Considering this, the present work aimed to develop a poly(N-acryloylglycine)-co-(acrylamide)-co-(N-acryloylglutamate) hydrogel [p(NAG-Ac-NAE)] with angiogenesis/neurogenesis properties. As constituents of this polymer modulate their vital role in biological functions, inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine regulates neuronal homeostasis, and glutamatergic signalling regulates angiogenesis. The p(NAG-Ac-NAE) hydrogel is a highly branched, biodegradable and pH-responsive polymer with a very high swelling behavior of 6188%. The mechanical stability (G', 2.3-2.7 kPa) of this polymeric hydrogel is commendable in the differentiation of mature neurons. This hydrogel is biocompatible (as tested in HUVEC cells) and helps to proliferate PC12 cells (152.7 ± 13.7%), whereas it is cytotoxic towards aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma (LN229 cells) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC; MDA-MB-231 cells) and helps to maintain the healthy cytoskeleton framework structure of primary cortical neurons by facilitating the elongation of the axonal pathway. Furthermore, FACS results revealed that the synthesized hydrogel potentiates neurogenesis by inducing the cell cycle (G0/G1) and arresting the sub-G1 phase by limiting apoptosis. Additionally, RT-PCR results revealed that this hydrogel induced an increased level of HIF-1α expression, providing preconditioning effects towards neuronal cells under oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and initiating neurogenic and angiogenic signalling. This hydrogel further exhibits more pro-angiogenic activities by increasing the expression of VEGF isoforms compared to previously reported hydrogels. In conclusion, the newly synthesized p(NAG-Ac-NAE) hydrogel can be one of the potential neuroregenerative materials for vasculogenesis-assisted neurogenic applications and paramount for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Immuno-protective vesicle-crosslinked hydrogel for allogenic transplantation

The longevity of grafts remains a major challenge in allogeneic transplantation due to immune rejection. Systemic immunosuppression can impair graft function and can also cause severe adverse effects. Here, we report a local immuno-protective strategy to enhance post-transplant persistence of allografts using a mesenchymal stem cell membrane-derived vesicle (MMV)-crosslinked hydrogel (MMV-Gel). MMVs are engineered to upregulate expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The MMVs are retained within the hydrogel by crosslinking. The immuno-protective microenvironment of the hydrogel protects allografts by presenting FasL and PD-L1. The binding of these ligands to T effector cells, the dominant contributors to graft destruction and rejection, results in apoptosis of T effector cells and generation of regulatory T cells. We demonstrate that implantation with MMV-Gel prolongs the survival and function of grafts in mouse models of allogeneic pancreatic islet cells and skin transplantation.

Cross-Linking Methods of the Silk Protein Hydrogel in Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Tissue Regeneration

BACKGROUND

Craniomaxillofacial tissue defects are clinical defects involving craniomaxillofacial and oral soft and hard tissues. They are characterized by defect-shaped irregularities, bacterial and inflammatory environments, and the need for functional recovery. Conventional clinical treatments are currently unable to achieve regeneration of high-quality oral craniomaxillofacial tissue. As a natural biomaterial, silk fibroin (SF) has been widely studied in biomedicine and has broad prospects for use in tissue regeneration. Hydrogels made of SF showed excellent water retention, biocompatibility, safety and the ability to combine with other materials.

METHODS

To gain an in-depth understanding of the current development of SF, this article reviews the structure, preparation and application prospects in oral and craniomaxillofacial tissue regenerative medicine. It first briefly introduces the structure of SF and then summarizes the principles, advantages and disadvantages of the different cross-linking methods (physical cross-linking, chemical cross-linking and double network structure) of SF. Finally, the existing research on the use of SF in tissue engineering and the prospects of using SF with different cross-linking methods in oral and craniomaxillofacial tissue regeneration are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This review is intended to show the advantages of SF hydrogels in tissue engineering and provides theoretical support for establishing novel and viable silk protein hydrogels for regeneration.

In vivo biocompatibility assessment of 3D printed bioresorbable polymers for brain tissue regeneration. A feasibility study

Introduction

The limited capacity of brain tissue to regenerate after acute injury, hampered by cell death, edema and inflammation, has led to an interest in promising and innovative approaches such as implantable regenerative scaffolds designed to improve brain plasticity. Leveraging the capabilities of bioprinting, these scaffolds can be tailored to match the intricate architecture of the brain.

Methods

In this methodological study, we performed in vivo biocompatibility assessments after a brain lesion on three distinct bioeliminable or bioresorbable materials: Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), Polycaprolactone (PCL) and a PEGDA mixed with gelatin methacrylate (PEGDA-GelMA).

Results

A scaffold with a complex shape was printed with patterns, spatial resolution and porosity adapted to cerebral cortex reconstruction. In vivo evaluations were complemented by behavioral monitoring, affirming the safety of these materials. High-resolution T2 MRI imaging effectively captured scaffold structures and demonstrated their non-invasive utility in monitoring degradability. ASL MRI imaging quantified cerebral blood flow and was positively and significantly correlated with lectin immunofluorescent labeling. It may be used to non-invasively monitor progressive revascularization of implants.PEGDA produced an intense foreign-body response, encapsulated by a fibro-inflammatory barrier. On the other hand, PCL provoked a controlled inflammatory reaction and facilitated cell migration into the scaffold, although it induced a fibrotic response around PCL fibers. Conversely, the PEGDA-GelMA composite emerged as a promising candidate for intracerebral implantation. It facilitated the creation of a permissive glial layer, while also inducing neovascularization and attracting neuronal progenitors.

Conclusion

Behavior, MRI monitoring and histology allowed a thorough following of biomaterial biocompatibility. The collective findings position PEGDA-GelMA as a convincing biomaterial option as a basis for treating severe brain lesions, offering new avenues in the search for effective treatments.

Advances in Engineered Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke by Enhancing Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, is a natural defensive mechanism that aids in the restoration of oxygen and nutrition delivery to injured brain tissue after an ischemic stroke. Angiogenesis, by increasing vessel development, may maintain brain perfusion, enabling neuronal survival, brain plasticity, and neurologic recovery. Induction of angiogenesis and the formation of new vessels aid in neurorepair processes such as neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Advanced nano drug delivery systems hold promise for treatment stroke by facilitating efficient transportation across the the blood-brain barrier and maintaining optimal drug concentrations. Nanoparticle has recently been shown to greatly boost angiogenesis and decrease vascular permeability, as well as improve neuroplasticity and neurological recovery after ischemic stroke. We describe current breakthroughs in the development of nanoparticle-based treatments for better angiogenesis therapy for ischemic stroke employing polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, inorganic nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanoparticles in this study. We outline new nanoparticles in detail, review the hurdles and strategies for conveying nanoparticle to lesions, and demonstrate the most recent advances in nanoparticle in angiogenesis for stroke treatment.

Sulfated Polysaccharide-Based Nanocarrier Drives Microenvironment-Mediated Cerebral Neurovascular Remodeling for Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Stroke is a leading cause of global mortality and severe disability. However, current strategies used for treating ischemic stroke lack specific targeting capabilities, exhibit poor immune escape ability, and have limited drug release control. Herein, we developed an ROS-responsive nanocarrier for targeted delivery of the neuroprotective agent rapamycin (RAPA) to mitigate ischemic brain damage. The nanocarrier consisted of a sulfated chitosan (SCS) polymer core modified with a ROS-responsive boronic ester enveloped by a red blood cell membrane shell incorporating a stroke homing peptide. When encountering high levels of intracellular ROS in ischemic brain tissues, the release of SCS combined with RAPA from nanoparticle disintegration facilitates effective microglia polarization and, in turn, maintains blood-brain barrier integrity, reduces cerebral infarction, and promotes cerebral neurovascular remodeling in a mouse stroke model involving transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). This work offers a promising strategy to treat ischemic stroke therapy.

The Potential of the Fibronectin Inhibitor Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser in the Development of Therapies for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal and common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. An important feature that supports GBM aggressiveness is the unique composition of its extracellular matrix (ECM). Particularly, fibronectin plays an important role in cancer cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, and chemoresistance. Thus, herein, a hydrogel with mechanical properties compatible with the brain and the ability to disrupt the dynamic and reciprocal interaction between fibronectin and tumor cells was produced. High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) functionalized with the inhibitory fibronectin peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) was used to produce the polymeric matrix. Liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) were also included in the hydrogel to kill GBM cells. The resulting hydrogel containing liposomes with therapeutic DOX concentrations presented rheological properties like a healthy brain. In vitro assays demonstrated that unmodified HMW-HA hydrogels only caused GBM cell killing after DOX incorporation. Conversely, RGDS-functionalized hydrogels displayed per se cytotoxicity. As GBM cells produce several proteolytic enzymes capable of disrupting the peptide-HA bond, we selected MMP-2 to illustrate this phenomenon. Therefore, RGDS internalization can induce GBM cell apoptosis. Importantly, RGDS-functionalized hydrogel incorporating DOX efficiently damaged GBM cells without affecting astrocyte viability, proving its safety. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of the RGDS-functionalized hydrogel to develop safe and effective GBM treatments.

26SCS-Loaded SilMA/Col Composite Sponge with Well-Arranged Layers Promotes Angiogenesis-Based Diabetic Wound Repair by Mediating Macrophage Inflammatory Response

Diabetic wound healing is a significant clinical challenge because abnormal immune cells in the wound cause chronic inflammation and impair tissue regeneration. Therefore, regulating the behavior and function of macrophages may be conducive to improving treatment outcomes in diabetic wounds. Herein, sulfated chitosan (26SCS)-containing composite sponges (26SCS-SilMA/Col-330) with well-arranged layers and high porosity were constructed based on collagen and silk fibroin, aiming to induce an appropriate inflammatory response and promote angiogenesis. The results indicated that the ordered topological structure of composite sponges could trigger the pro-inflammatory response of Mφs in the early stage, and rapid release of 26SCS in the early and middle stages (within the concentration range of 1-3 mg/mL) induced a positive inflammatory response; initiated the pro-inflammatory reaction of Mφs within 3 days; shifted M1 Mφs to the M2 phenotype within 3-7 days; and significantly up-regulated the expression of two typical angiogenic growth factors, namely VEGF and PDGF-BB, on day 7, leading to rapid HUVEC migration and angiogenesis. In vivo data also demonstrated that on the 14th day after surgery, the 26SCS-SilMA/Col-330-implanted areas exhibited less inflammation, faster re-epithelialization, more abundant collagen deposition and a greater number of blood vessels in the skin tissue. The composite sponges with higher 26SCS contents (the (5.0) 26SCS-SilMA/Col-330 and the (7.5) 26SCS-SilMA/Col-330) could better orchestrate the phenotype and function of Mφs and facilitate wound healing. These findings highlight that the 26SCS-SilMA/Col-330 sponges developed in this work might have great potential as a novel dressing for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Biomaterial engineering strategies for B cell immunity modulations

B cell immunity has a penetrating effect on human health and diseases. Therapeutics aiming to modulate B cell immunity have achieved remarkable success in combating infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. However, current treatments still face significant limitations in generating effective long-lasting therapeutic B cell responses for many conditions. As the understanding of B cell biology has deepened in recent years, clearer regulation networks for B cell differentiation and antibody production have emerged, presenting opportunities to overcome current difficulties and realize the full therapeutic potential of B cell immunity. Biomaterial platforms have been developed to leverage these emerging concepts to augment therapeutic humoral immunity by facilitating immunogenic reagent trafficking, regulating T cell responses, and modulating the immune microenvironment. Moreover, biomaterial engineering tools have also advanced our understanding of B cell biology, further expediting the development of novel therapeutics. In this review, we will introduce the general concept of B cell immunobiology and highlight key biomaterial engineering strategies in the areas including B cell targeted antigen delivery, sustained B cell antigen delivery, antigen engineering, T cell help optimization, and B cell suppression. We will also discuss our perspective on future biomaterial engineering opportunities to leverage humoral immunity for therapeutics.

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke lesion environments differentially alter the glia repair potential of neural progenitor cell and immature astrocyte grafts

Using cell grafting to direct glia-based repair mechanisms in adult CNS injuries represents a potential therapeutic strategy for supporting functional neural parenchymal repair. However, glia repair directed by neural progenitor cell (NPC) grafts is dramatically altered by increasing lesion size, severity, and mode of injury. To address this, we studied the interplay between astrocyte differentiation and cell proliferation of NPC in vitro to generate proliferating immature astrocytes (ImA) using hysteretic conditioning. ImA maintain proliferation rates at comparable levels to NPC but showed robust immature astrocyte marker expression including Gfap and Vimentin. ImA demonstrated enhanced resistance to myofibroblast-like phenotypic transformations upon exposure to serum enriched environments in vitro compared to NPC and were more effective at scratch wound closure in vitro compared to quiescent astrocytes. Glia repair directed by ImA at acute ischemic striatal stroke lesions was equivalent to NPC but better than quiescent astrocyte grafts. While ischemic injury environments supported enhanced survival of grafts compared to healthy striatum, hemorrhagic lesions were hostile towards both NPC and ImA grafts leading to poor survival and ineffective modulation of natural wound repair processes. Our findings demonstrate that lesion environments, rather than transcriptional pre-graft states, determine the survival, cell-fate, and glia repair competency of cell grafts applied to acute CNS injuries.

Perspective insights into versatile hydrogels for stroke: From molecular mechanisms to functional applications

As the leading killer of life and health, stroke leads to limb paralysis, speech disorder, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, mental depression and other symptoms, which entail a significant financial burden to society and families. At present, physiology, clinical medicine, engineering, and materials science, advanced biomaterials standing on the foothold of these interdisciplinary disciplines provide new opportunities and possibilities for the cure of stroke. Among them, hydrogels have been endowed with more possibilities. It is well-known that hydrogels can be employed as potential biosensors, medication delivery vectors, and cell transporters or matrices in tissue engineering in tissue engineering, and outperform many traditional therapeutic drugs, surgery, and materials. Therefore, hydrogels become a popular scaffolding treatment option for stroke. Diverse synthetic hydrogels were designed according to different pathophysiological mechanisms from the recently reported literature will be thoroughly explored. The biological uses of several types of hydrogels will be highlighted, including pro-angiogenesis, pro-neurogenesis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. Finally, considerations and challenges of using hydrogels in the treatment of stroke are summarized.

Advancements in Regenerative Hydrogels in Skin Wound Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

This state-of-the-art review explores the emerging field of regenerative hydrogels and their profound impact on the treatment of skin wounds. Regenerative hydrogels, composed mainly of water-absorbing polymers, have garnered attention in wound healing, particularly for skin wounds. Their unique properties make them well suited for tissue regeneration. Notable benefits include excellent water retention, creating a crucially moist wound environment for optimal healing, and facilitating cell migration, and proliferation. Biocompatibility is a key feature, minimizing adverse reactions and promoting the natural healing process. Acting as a supportive scaffold for cell growth, hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding the attachment and proliferation of cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Engineered for controlled drug release, hydrogels enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. The demonstrated acceleration of the wound healing process, particularly beneficial for chronic or impaired healing wounds, adds to their appeal. Easy application and conformity to various wound shapes make hydrogels practical, including in irregular or challenging areas. Scar minimization through tissue regeneration is crucial, especially in cosmetic and functional regions. Hydrogels contribute to pain management by creating a protective barrier, reducing friction, and fostering a soothing environment. Some hydrogels, with inherent antimicrobial properties, aid in infection prevention, which is a crucial aspect of successful wound healing. Their flexibility and ability to conform to wound contours ensure optimal tissue contact, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. In summary, regenerative hydrogels present a promising approach for improving skin wound healing outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, mechanisms, and challenges associated with the use of regenerative hydrogels in the treatment of skin wounds. In this review, the authors likely delve into the application of rational design principles to enhance the efficacy and performance of hydrogels in promoting wound healing. Through an exploration of various methodologies and approaches, this paper is poised to highlight how these principles have been instrumental in refining the design of hydrogels, potentially revolutionizing their therapeutic potential in addressing skin wounds. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting potential avenues for future research, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with skin wounds.

Injectable Hydrogels for Nervous Tissue Repair-A Brief Review

The repair of nervous tissue is a critical research field in tissue engineering because of the degenerative process in the injured nervous system. In this review, we summarize the progress of injectable hydrogels using in vitro and in vivo studies for the regeneration and repair of nervous tissue. Traditional treatments have not been favorable for patients, as they are invasive and inefficient; therefore, injectable hydrogels are promising for the treatment of damaged tissue. This review will contribute to a better understanding of injectable hydrogels as potential scaffolds and drug delivery system for neural tissue engineering applications.

Hybrid hydrogels support neural cell culture development under magnetic actuation at high frequency

The combination of hydrogels and magnetic nanoparticles, scarcely explored to date, offers a wide range of possibilities for innovative therapies. Herein, we have designed hybrid 3D matrices integrating natural polymers, such as collagen, chitosan (CHI) and hyaluronic acid (HA), to provide soft and flexible 3D networks mimicking the extracellular matrix of natural tissues, and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) that deliver localized heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). First, colloidally stable nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic radius of ∼20 nm were synthesized and coated with either CHI (NPCHI) or HA (NPHA). Then, collagen hydrogels were homogeneously loaded with these coated-IONPs resulting in soft (E0 ∼ 2.6 kPa), biodegradable and magnetically responsive matrices. Polymer-coated IONPs in suspension preserved primary neural cell viability and neural differentiation even at the highest dose (0.1 mg Fe/mL), regardless of the coating, even boosting neuronal interconnectivity at lower doses. Magnetic hydrogels maintained high neural cell viability and sustained the formation of highly interconnected and differentiated neuronal networks. Interestingly, those hydrogels loaded with the highest dose of NPHA (0.25 mgFe/mg polymer) significantly impaired non-neuronal differentiation with respect to those with NPCHI. When evaluated under AMF, cell viability slightly diminished in comparison with control hydrogels magnetically stimulated, but not compared to their counterparts without stimulation. Neuronal differentiation under AMF was only affected on collagen hydrogels with the highest dose of NPHA, while non-neuronal differentiation regained control values. Taken together, NPCHI-loaded hydrogels displayed a superior performance, maybe benefited from their higher nanomechanical fluidity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hydrogels and magnetic nanoparticles are undoubtedly useful biomaterials for biomedical applications. Nonetheless, the combination of both has been scarcely explored to date. In this study, we have designed hybrid 3D matrices integrating both components as promising magnetically responsive platforms for neural therapeutics. The resulting collagen scaffolds were soft (E0 ∼ 2.6 kPa) and biodegradable hydrogels with capacity to respond to external magnetic stimuli. Primary neural cells proved to grow on these substrates, preserving high viability and neuronal differentiation percentages even under the application of a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. Importantly, those hydrogels loaded with chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles displayed a superior performance, likely related to their higher nanomechanical fluidity.

Glycosaminoglycans' Ability to Promote Wound Healing: From Native Living Macromolecules to Artificial Biomaterials

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are important for the occurrence of signaling molecules and maintenance of microenvironment within the extracellular matrix (ECM) in living tissues. GAGs and GAG-based biomaterial approaches have been widely explored to promote in situ tissue regeneration and repair by regulating the wound microenvironment, accelerating re-epithelialization, and controlling ECM remodeling. However, most approaches remain unacceptable for clinical applications. To improve insights into material design and clinical translational applications, this review highlights the innate roles and bioactive mechanisms of native GAGs during in situ wound healing and presents common GAG-based biomaterials and the adaptability of application scenarios in facilitating wound healing. Furthermore, challenges before the widespread commercialization of GAG-based biomaterials are shared, to ensure that future designed and constructed GAG-based artificial biomaterials are more likely to recapitulate the unique and tissue-specific profile of native GAG expression in human tissues. This review provides a more explicit and clear selection guide for researchers designing biomimetic materials, which will resemble or exceed their natural counterparts in certain functions, thereby suiting for specific environments or therapeutic goals.

Hydrogel-Based Growth Factor Delivery Platforms: Strategies and Recent Advances

Growth factors play a crucial role in regulating a broad variety of biological processes and are regarded as powerful therapeutic agents in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the past decades. However, their application is limited by their short half-lives and potential side effects in physiological environments. Hydrogels are identified as having the promising potential to prolong the half-lives of growth factors and mitigate their adverse effects by restricting them within the matrix to reduce their rapid proteolysis, burst release, and unwanted diffusion. This review discusses recent progress in the development of growth factor-containing hydrogels for various biomedical applications, including wound healing, brain tissue repair, cartilage and bone regeneration, and spinal cord injury repair. In addition, the review introduces strategies for optimizing growth factor release including affinity-based delivery, carrier-assisted delivery, stimuli-responsive delivery, spatial structure-based delivery, and cellular system-based delivery. Finally, the review presents current limitations and future research directions for growth factor-delivering hydrogels.

Activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor-chitosan gel in an adult rat model of ischemic stroke

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival, as well as angiogenesis, in the context of brain injury. However, whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown. In this study, we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats. The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor, which improved the local microenvironment, activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons, while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery. This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes, thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Neuronal Replenishment via Hydrogel-Rationed Delivery of Reprogramming Factors

The central nervous system's limited capacity for regeneration often leads to permanent neuronal loss following injury. Reprogramming resident reactive astrocytes into induced neurons at the site of injury is a promising strategy for neural repair, but challenges persist in stabilizing and accurately targeting viral vectors for transgene expression. In this study, we employed a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogel for the precise and controlled release of a hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, AAVDJ, carrying the NeuroD1 neural reprogramming transgene. This method effectively mitigates the issues of high viral dosage at the target site, off-target delivery, and immunogenic reactions, enhancing the vector's targeting and reprogramming efficiency. In vitro, this vector successfully induced neuron formation, as confirmed by morphological, histochemical, and electrophysiological analyses. In vivo, SAP-mediated delivery of AAVDJ-NeuroD1 facilitated the trans-differentiation of reactive host astrocytes into induced neurons, concurrently reducing glial scarring. Our findings introduce a safe and effective method for treating central nervous system injuries, marking a significant advancement in regenerative neuroscience.

Harnessing filamentous phages for enhanced stroke recovery

Stroke poses a critical global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Existing treatments often miss vital timeframes and encounter limitations due to adverse effects, prompting the pursuit of innovative approaches to restore compromised brain function. This review explores the potential of filamentous phages in enhancing stroke recovery. Initially antimicrobial-centric, bacteriophage therapy has evolved into a regenerative solution. We explore the diverse role of filamentous phages in post-stroke neurological restoration, emphasizing their ability to integrate peptides into phage coat proteins, thereby facilitating recovery. Experimental evidence supports their efficacy in alleviating post-stroke complications, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. However, rigorous clinical validation is essential to address challenges like dosing and administration routes. Additionally, genetic modification enhances their potential as injectable biomaterials for complex brain tissue issues. This review emphasizes innovative strategies and the capacity of filamentous phages to contribute to enhanced stroke recovery, as opposed to serving as standalone treatment, particularly in addressing stroke-induced brain tissue damage.

Biomaterials in Traumatic Brain Injury: Perspectives and Challenges

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term impairment globally. TBI has a dynamic pathology, encompassing a variety of metabolic and molecular events that occur in two phases: primary and secondary. A forceful external blow to the brain initiates the primary phase, followed by a secondary phase that involves the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) and the initiation of a cascade of inflammatory processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, a rise in oxidative stress, activation of glial cells, and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in paracellular leakage. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for TBI, but existing approaches rely on delivering micro- and macromolecular treatments, which are constrained by the BBB, poor retention, off-target toxicity, and the complex pathology of TBI. Therefore, there is a demand for innovative and alternative therapeutics with effective delivery tactics for the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. Tissue engineering, which includes the use of biomaterials, is one such alternative approach. Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, including self-assembling peptides and electrospun nanofibers, can be used alone or in combination with neuronal stem cells to induce neurite outgrowth, the differentiation of human neural stem cells, and nerve gap bridging in TBI. This review examines the inclusion of biomaterials as potential treatments for TBI, including their types, synthesis, and mechanisms of action. This review also discusses the challenges faced by the use of biomaterials in TBI, including the development of biodegradable, biocompatible, and mechanically flexible biomaterials and, if combined with stem cells, the survival rate of the transplanted stem cells. A better understanding of the mechanisms and drawbacks of these novel therapeutic approaches will help to guide the design of future TBI therapies.

Association between inflammatory bowel disease and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background/objectives

Recently, four meta-analyses have explored the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of stroke. These studies have demonstrated that people with IBD may be at an increased risk of stroke. However, some limitations such as high heterogeneity and the lack of uniformity in the types of research, especially the reuse of some sample sizes, cannot be neglected. These factors reduce the credibility of their research conclusions. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore this possible association.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 30 June 2023. A random effects model with the generic inverse variance method was used in this meta-analysis. The Review Manager software was used to obtain all relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was tested, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore possible heterogeneities.

Results

This meta-analysis included 12 cohort studies (involving 4,495,055 individuals). Meta-analysis of these data has shown that IBD was associated with an increased risk of stroke (RR = 1.19, 95%CI:1.14-1.24, p < 0.00001). Our results were stable and robust in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that IBD is associated with an increased risk of stroke. To reduce the incidence of stroke, patients with IBD are encouraged to undergo stroke risk assessments, especially for young female patients; assessing the risk of ischemic stroke is of particular importance. Prospective studies considering stroke subtypes, IBD severity and treatments, regions, and other confounding factors are needed to further explore the nature of each association.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022373656.

Emergence of task-related spatiotemporal population dynamics in transplanted neurons

Loss of nervous system tissue after severe brain injury is a main determinant of poor functional recovery. Cell transplantation is a promising method to restore lost tissue and function, yet it remains unclear if transplanted neurons can demonstrate the population level dynamics important for movement control. Here we present a comprehensive approach for long-term single neuron monitoring and manipulation of transplanted embryonic cortical neurons after cortical injury in adult male mice performing a prehension task. The observed patterns of population activity in the transplanted network strongly resembled that of healthy networks. Specifically, the task-related spatiotemporal activity patterns of transplanted neurons could be represented by latent factors that evolve within a low dimensional manifold. We also demonstrate reliable modulation of the transplanted networks using minimally invasive epidural stimulation. Our approach may allow greater insight into how restoration of cell-type specific network dynamics in vivo can restore motor function.

Enabling Survival of Transplanted Neural Precursor Cells in the Ischemic Brain

There is no effective therapy for ischemic stroke following the acute stage. Neural transplantation offers a potential option for repairing the ischemic lesion. However, this strategy is hindered by the poor survival of the neural precursor cells (NPCs) that are transplanted into the inflammatory ischemic core. Here, a chemical cocktail consisting of fibrinogen and maraviroc is developed to promote the survival of the transplanted NPCs in the ischemic core of the mouse cerebral cortex. The grafted NPCs survive in the presence of the cocktail but not fibrinogen or maraviroc alone at day 7. The surviving NPCs divide and differentiate to mature neurons by day 30, reconstituting the infarct cortex with vascularization. Molecular analysis in vivo and in vitro shows that blocking the activation of CCR5 on the NPCs protects the NPCs from apoptosis induced by pro-inflammatory factors, revealing the underlying protective effect of the cocktail for NPCs. The findings open an avenue to enable survival of the transplanted NPCs under the inflammatory neurological conditions like stroke.