Neural Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Tissue engineering is the use of engineering methods to replace, replicate, or improve biological tissues. Neural tissue engineering involves the integrated use of biomaterials, cellular engineering, and drug delivery technologies with the purpose of protecting, repairing, or regenerating cells and tissues of the nervous system. Through the introduction of biochemical, topographic, immunomodulatory, and other types of cues, tissues can be therapeutically controlled to direct growth and tissue function in order to overcome biological constraints on tissue repair and regeneration. These strategies can be applied when injury or disease occurs in the brain, spinal cord, for damaged peripheral nerves, or to improve chronic functionality of implantable neural interfaces. In this chapter, we present an overview of neural tissue engineering using examples of therapeutic systems including nerve conduits, implantable hydrogels, delivery of neurotrophic factors and stem cells, genetic approaches to tissue engineering, immunomodulation, and electrical stimulation.