Abstract
The development of in vitro neural tissue analogs is of great interest for many biomedical engineering applications, including the tissue engineering of neural interfaces, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and in vitro evaluation of cell–material interactions. Since astrocytes play a crucial role in the regenerative processes of the central nervous system, the development of biomaterials that interact favorably with astrocytes is of great research interest. The sources of human astrocytes, suitable natural biomaterials, guidance scaffolds, and ligand patterned surfaces are discussed in the article. New findings in this field are essential for the future treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries.
Highlights
Bio-Based Polymers for AstrocyteAdvances in medicine and cell biology have increased exponentially in recent years [1,2].New technological developments and ever-changing opportunities have significantly influenced tissue engineering in many medical fields, including cell engineering and cell culture technology
Since astrocytes play a crucial role in the regenerative processes of the central nervous system, the development of biomaterials that interact favorably with astrocytes is of great research interest
These can alter the phenotype of the cells, as discussed, and new ones are being developed to shift the phenotype towards low glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) production
Summary
Advances in medicine and cell biology have increased exponentially in recent years [1,2]. Methods for isolating various plant, animal, and human tissues have become routine in research laboratories worldwide [6,7] In vitro, these isolated cells are incorporated into so-called functional cell models, which are becoming increasingly important for the in vitro study of physiological and pathophysiological processes and are becoming an indispensable research tool in pharmacy and medicine to study cell transport and function, cell and drug interactions, drug bioavailability, carcinogenesis, and nutritional sciences [2,8,9,10]. Among the numerous isolated cell lines used for in vitro research and incorporated into functional cell models, central nervous system cells are an important research topic. The availability of such a system allows the study of cell properties, biochemical aspects, and the potential of therapeutic candidates for traumatic and neurodegenerative diseases in a well-controlled environment [27]
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