Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Part of: Synthesis digital library of engineering and computer science.

Series from website.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-110).

1. Introduction --

2. Anatomy of the CNS and progression of neurological damage -- 2.1 Anatomy and physiology of the CNS -- 2.1.1 Gross anatomy -- 2.1.2 Extracellular matrix -- 2.1.3 Neurons -- 2.1.4 Glia and supportive tissue -- 2.2 Loss of neural function -- 2.2.1 Model systems and functional recovery evaluation -- 2.2.2 Axon retraction and degeneration -- 2.2.3 Neurodegenerative diseases -- 2.2.4 Role of glia in degeneration and regeneration of CNS axons -- 2.2.5 Oligodendrocytes and myelin associated inhibitors -- 2.2.6 Astrocyte activation and glial scarring in the CNS --

3. Biomaterials for scaffold preparation -- 3.1 Definition of biomaterial and requirements for neural TE scaffolds -- 3.1.1 Biodegradable scaffolds -- 3.2 Scaffold creation strategies -- 3.2.1 Hydrogels -- 3.2.2 Electrospun fibers -- 3.3 Current biomaterials in CNS TE -- 3.3.1 Natural materials -- 3.3.2 Synthetic materials --

4. Cell sources for CNS TE -- 4.1 Primary cell treatment of CNS injury -- 4.1.1 Glial cells -- 4.2 Pluripotent stem cells -- 4.2.1 Embryonic stem cells -- 4.2.2 Induced stem cells -- 4.3 Adult stem cells -- 4.3.1 Endogenous stem cells in the brain and spinal cord -- 4.3.2 Mesenchymal stem cells -- 4.3.3 Neural crest-like stem cells --

5. Stimulation and guidance -- 5.1 Physical cues -- 5.1.1 Physical stimulation -- 5.1.2 Physical guidance -- 5.2 Chemical cues -- 5.2.1 Extracellular matrix -- 5.2.2 Neural guidance molecules -- 5.2.3 Tethering or covalent immobilization of neural guidance factors -- 5.3 Electrical stimulation --

6. Concluding remarks -- Bibliography -- Authors' biographies.

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Combating neural degeneration from injury or disease is extremely difficult in the brain and spinal cord, i.e. central nervous system (CNS). Unlike the peripheral nerves, CNS neurons are bombarded by physical and chemical restrictions that prevent proper healing and restoration of function. The CNS is vital to bodily function, and loss of any part of it can severely and permanently alter a person's quality of life. Tissue engineering could offer much needed solutions to regenerate or replace damaged CNS tissue.This review will discuss current CNS tissue engineering approaches integrating scaffolds, cells and stimulation techniques. Hydrogels are commonly used CNS tissue engineering scaffolds to stimulate and enhance regeneration, but fiber meshes and other porous structures show specific utility depending on application. CNS relevant cell sources have focused on implantation of exogenous cells or stimulation of endogenous populations. Somatic cells of the CNS are rarely utilized for tissue engineering; however, glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) may be used to myelinate and protect spinal cord damage. Pluripotent and multipotent stem cells offer alternative cell sources due to continuing advancements in identification and differentiation of these cells. Finally, physical, chemical, and electrical guidance cues are extremely important to neural cells, serving important roles in development and adulthood. These guidance cues are being integrated into tissue engineering approaches. Of particular interest is the inclusion of cues to guide stem cells to differentiate into CNS cell types, as well to guide neuron targeting. This review should provide the reader with a broad understanding of CNS tissue engineering challenges and tactics, with the goal of fostering the future development of biologically inspired designs.

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Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on December 17, 2011).