Bioengineers build scaffold to grow neurons(repair spinal cords)

[papau]

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/01/22/neurons040122

Bioengineers build scaffold to grow neurons
Last Updated Fri, 23 Jan 2004 8:04:15

CHICAGO - Scientists have designed gel-like molecules that promote neuron growth. They say it could someday lead to a way to regenerate damaged spinal cords.

Researchers are working on building artificial scaffolds to promote the growth of bone cells. Usually, scientists grow a 3D network of fibres to attract and house the added cells.

Gabriel Silva of Northwestern University in Chicago and his colleagues think they've successfully grown nerve cells in an artificial network of nanofibres.

The team at Northwestern's Institute for Bioengineering and Nanoscience in Advanced Medicine built a scaffold of molecules called IKVAV, a protein that promotes growth of long neuronal fibres or axons. <snip>

When spinal cords are injured, another type of nervous system cells, called astrocytes, usually start growing and forms scar tissue.
Stupp, the institute's director, said the scaffold selectively steers the growth of pre-neural cells to form neurons instead of axons – one of the goals of regenerative spinal cord medicine.
The new method promotes the growth of neurons in rats with spinal cord injury. When the injectable solution came into contact with tissue, it formed a solid. <snip>