Combining Stem Cells and Materials for Nerve Tissue Regeneration

Stem cells are beginning to show potential patient benefit both in preclinical studies and with promise in early clinical trials of neurological diseases. Animal studies have not only shown that neural stem cells can engraft and integrate in the brain but also have potent regenerative properties. Relatively unexplored is the use of natural biogels with these cells to promote new living tissue in the laboratory. Our work has shown that natural properties of stem cells from the peripheral and central nervous system in combination with collagen can produce artificial nervous tissues capable of guiding axons and repairing gaps in peripheral nerves. Here we discuss the development of this technology towards future clinical application.