It is a new step that has just been taken in new technologies for stem cell therapy of diseases and traumas of the central nervous system (CNS) with this biodegradable scaffold, developed by a team from Rutgers University (New Jersey ) and featured in the journal Nature Communications. This new nano-device reduces the slowness of the scaffold degradation process and allows for improved grafting, differentiation and drug delivery from stem cells.
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic avenue for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), it induces stem cells to become neurons and thus aims to restore neuronal circuits. However, the therapy still has to overcome multiple challenges, including low cell survival rate, partial differentiation of grafted cells, and limited growth of neurites or neuron extensions. Faced with these obstacles, scientists have developed biocells that mimic the microenvironment of natural tissues to produce physical and soluble signals. However, the bulk drug release, cell adhesion, and scaffold degradation rate remain to be optimized.
This biodegradable nano-scaffold (see visual) designed by Rutgers scientists is made of stem cells, proteins and drugs, intended for advanced stem cell therapy and drug delivery. It is a valuable and promising prototype for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, age-related cognitive impairment, spinal cord injury and brain trauma.
A proof of concept in vitro and in vivo: the scaffolding which imitates natural tissues obtains good results here in vitro and after transplantation in mice. The researchers, in cooperation with neuroscientists and clinicians, plan to test the nano-scaffolds in larger animals and eventually move into clinical trials to treat spinal cord injuries.
Scaffold-based technology also shows promise in regenerative medicine.
