Neural tissue engineering: the influence of scaffold surface topography and extracellular matrix microenvironment

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. B, Materials for biology and medicine Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 567 - 584
• Main Authors: Yang, Chun-Yi, Huang, Wei-Yuan, Chen, Liang-Hsin, Liang, Nai-Wen, Wang, Huan-Chih, Lu, Jiaju, Wang, Xiumei, Wang, Tzu-Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 28.01.2021
• Subjects: Adhesion; Animals; Axon guidance; Axonogenesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Biomimetics; Cell Adhesion; Cell adhesion & migration; Cell Proliferation; Clinical trials; Extracellular matrix; Extracellular Matrix - chemistry; Fabrication; Gene expression; Humans; Microenvironments; Nervous system; Neural stem cells; Neurons - chemistry; Neurons - cytology; Particle Size; Regeneration; Scaffolds; Stem cells; Surface Properties; Tissue Engineering; Topography
• ISSN: 2050-750X; 2050-7518
• DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01605e

During nervous system development, an extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role through surface topography and microenvironment signals in neurons and neurites maturation. Topography and microenvironment signals act as physical and chemical guiding cues, respectively, for neural tissue formation and reconstruction. Imposed surface topography can affect neural stem cells by promoting adhesion, spreading, alignment, morphological changes, and specific gene expression. Therefore, fabrication of a biomimetic construct or scaffold to support neurite outgrowth and axon extension is a crucial and common strategy for neural tissue regeneration. Here, we review recent developments in biomaterials modification for simulating the microenvironment to promote neural cell adhesion and growth. The subtopics include those of potential cellular mechanisms of topographical response, topography on cellular organization and function, contact guidance in neurite outgrowth and axon growth, ECM microenvironment as regulatory cues, as well as challenges and future perspectives of nerve conduits that are now in clinical trials and usage. Strategies using surface topography, contact guidance and biomechanical cues in the design of scaffolds as an ECM support for neural tissue engineering.