PLATFORM UPDATE:
Perspective
Celebrating 25 years of the Sakiyama-Elbert lab: a look back on the evolution of neural biomaterials and future directions for the field
The field of neural biomaterials has evolved considerably over the past 25 years as new techniques and technologies have been developed for treating the diseases and disorders of both the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
Paper
Matrix-bound Tenascin-C directs neuronal differentiation through stiffness-tuned MeHA hydrogels mimicking the spinal cord microenvironment
Matrix-bound Tenascin-C, presented in stiffness-matched hyaluronic acid hydrogels mimicking the spinal cord microenvironment, selectively promotes neuronal and motor neuron differentiation through a concentration-dependent bioactive window.
Paper
In vitro models of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation for evaluation of neuroprotective biomaterials
Liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles are in vitro evaluated as neuroprotective assemblies in a multi-model strategy using different stressors. Examples illustrate biomaterial-based parallel assessment of three distinct neurotoxic pathways.
Paper
Stress relaxation timescale and hydrogel network connectivity regulate neural progenitor cell stemness and differentiation
A family of modular recombinant protein–synthetic polymer hybrid hydrogels reveals that stress relaxation timescale and network connectivity regulate neural progenitor cell stemmness.
Paper
Scalable one-step synthesis of gelatin–dithiolane for neural tissue engineering
Single-step conjugation of dithiolane to gelatin in CB buffer enables rapid GelDT synthesis with controlled functionalization. This streamlined method produces tunable soft hydrogels that support neural cell viability, spreading, and spheroid growth.
Injectable hydrogel-based localized delivery of IDO-galectin-3 mitigates neuroinflammation and promotes neuronal sparing after spinal cord contusion in rats
An immunomodulatory hydrogel, IDO-Gal3 incorporated into decellularized rat peripheral nerve (iPN), was injected into the thoracic contused rat spinal cord to evaluate its effects on astrocyte and microglial reactivity, as well as neuronal sparing.
Paper
Controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 improves motor function after traumatic brain injury in a rat model
Illustration of the traumatic brain injury rat model and implantation of the thiolated devitalized tendon (TDVT) hydrogel delivering PLGA microspheres releasing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2.
Biodegradable polyurethane nerve conduits functionalized with NDP-MSH-loaded self-assembling peptide hydrogels for peripheral nerve regeneration
A biodegradable BWPU nerve conduit with a pH-responsive self-assembling peptide depot releases NDP-MSH to reduce ROS/apoptosis and promote M2 macrophages, enabling sciatic nerve repair comparable to autografts.
Paper
Co-delivery of synaptogenic and angiogenic nanoparticles in MAP scaffolds enhances post-stroke synapse formation
TSP-1 nanoparticles and VEGF nanoparticles loaded into granular hydrogel MAP scaffolds demonstrate increased synapse formation after ischemic stroke.
Paper
Systematic investigation of the effects of neural stem cell spheroid size and density on fate specification in 3D culture
Local and global cell densities independently and jointly regulate neural stem cell viability and lineage commitment within hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel platforms.
A modular silk–collagen scaffold to model dorsoventral spinal cord organization using human pluripotent stem cells
Modular assembly of silk scaffolds enables spatial separation of multiple stem cell-derived neuron populations in 3D spinal cord tissues, enhancing the complexity and functionality of in vitro tissue models.
Microchannel-containing hydrogel scaffolds enabled functional recovery in the absence of cells and bioactive molecules following spinal cord injury
Microchannel-containing GelMA–PEGDA scaffolds guide axonal regeneration and support functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection, even without exogenous cells or bioactive molecules.
About this collection
This Journal of Materials Chemistry B collection celebrates the 50th birthday of Prof. Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert and 25 years of her impact shaping biomaterials in neuroengineering. Advances in biomaterials and neural engineering could greatly enhance repair and regeneration efforts. Approaches like biomaterial scaffolds for axonal guidance, supporting stem cell transplants and drug/growth factor delivery to reduce inflammation are promising. Furthermore, bioelectronic devices integrated with regenerating tissue could monitor repair and promote recovery through electrical or optical stimulation.
By combining biomaterials, cell therapy, drug delivery, and bioelectronics, future therapies for neural repair and regeneration hold great potential. Guest edited by Elizabeth Cosgriff-Hernandez (University of Texas at Austin, USA), Nisha Iyer (Tufts University, USA) and Sarah Stabenfeldt (Arizona State University, USA), this special collection aims to highlight cutting-edge research in biomaterials, neural engineering, and regenerative medicine to address these challenges.