Schwann cell transplantation methods using biomaterials

Abstract

Biomaterials can be utilized to assist in the transplantation of Schwann cells to the central and peripheral nervous system. The biomaterials can be natural or man-made, and can have preformed shapes or injectable formats. Biomaterials can play multiple roles in cellular transplantation; for example, they can assist with cellular integration and protect Schwann cells from cell death initiated by the lack of a substrate, an occurrence known as “anoikis.” In addition, biomaterials can be engineered to increase cell proliferation and differentiation by the addition of ligands bound to the substrate. Here, we describe the incorporation of Schwann cells to both man-made and natural matrices for in vitro and in vivo measures relevant to Schwann cell transplantation strategies.