Helping the brain rebuild itself
Tissue regeneration experts from the University of Barcelona (UB), the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) have developed an implant that could aid the regeneration of brain tissue, particularly in cases of pre- and postnatal injury. The study, published in the journal Biomaterials, has been led by Dr Soledad Alcántara, lecturer of the Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy and head of the Neural Development Group of UB.
Tissue regeneration experts from the University of Barcelona (UB), the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) have developed an implant that could aid the regeneration of brain tissue, particularly in cases of pre- and postnatal injury. The study, published in the journal Biomaterials, has been led by Dr Soledad Alcántara, lecturer of the Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy and head of the Neural Development Group of UB.
Scientists found that implants made of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers reproduce some aspects of the natural embryonic brain environment and encourage tissue to regrow.
The main author of the paper, Zaida Álvarez, member of UBʼs Neural Development Group of IBECʼs Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies Group, explains that “brain injuries are common causes of disability, with loss of nerve tissue due to secondary degeneration, and often the formation of cavities that inhibit neural cell growth. To find effective regenerative strategies to promote brain recovery after traumatic injury, we need to focus on solving the current obstacles: poor implant integration, vascularization and cell survival”.