Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a primary component of the brain extracellular matrix and functions through cellular receptors to regulate cell behavior within the central nervous system (CNS). These behaviors, such as migration, proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation contribute to maintenance and homeostasis of the CNS. However, such equilibrium is disrupted following injury or disease leading to significantly altered extracellular matrix milieu and cell functions. This imbalance thereby inhibits inherent homeostatic processes that support critical tissue health and functionality in the CNS. To mitigate the damage sustained by injury/disease, HA-based tissue engineering constructs have been investigated for CNS regenerative medicine applications. HA’s effectiveness in tissue healing and regeneration is primarily attributed to its impact on cell signaling and the ease of customizing chemical and mechanical properties. This review focuses on recent findings to highlight the applications of HA-based materials in CNS regenerative medicine.
Highlights
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering and biology to treat damaged tissues within the human body; the primary goal is to facilitate the repair and regeneration of functional tissues and organs [1]
Rodent oligodendrocyte progenitor cells migration was enhanced by Hyaluronic acid (HA) engagement following a scratch wound to an astrocyte monolayer (OPCs) experienced increased migration when treated with HAelucidated in vitro compared culture
HA-based materials can be designed for minimally invasive injection into central nervous system (CNS) tissue to promote healing and regeneration, including (D) spinal cord injury and (E) traumatic brain injury
Summary
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering and biology to treat damaged tissues within the human body; the primary goal is to facilitate the repair and regeneration of functional tissues and organs [1]. Astrocytes, microglia, and other glial cells are activated in response to cell death and damage [31] Activation of these cells leads to a secondary injury response where local edema, hypoxic zones within the damaged region, chronic cytokine generation, and reactive oxygen species formation impede tissue regeneration and functional recovery [31]. To mitigate the long-term damage caused by the secondary sequence, recent research has focused on the use of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds to modulate the cellular microenvironment to provide favorable conditions for tissue healing and regeneration [4]. We will highlight the tremendous potential of HA-based biomaterials as regenerative medicine scaffolds to promote healing, regeneration, and functional recovery of CNS tissues. The biological activity, chemistry, and manufacturing techniques of HA relevant to the CNS will be discussed in more detail in subsequent sections
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
