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Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Applications pp 79–97Cite as

Nanostructures to Potentiate Axon Navigation and Regrowth in the Damaged Central Nervous Tissue

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Abstract

Neural interfaces as prosthetic devices are engineered in order to achieve neural recording and stimulation, to promote neural regeneration and to assist therapeutic delivery of bioactive molecules. By tailoring the interface architecture with nanoscale geometries, it is possible to mimic topographical cues able to adapt neuronal growth and redirect neurite navigation to a functional recovery. In this chapter, we present an overview of nano-dimensional strategies focusing on the new generation of artificial implantable scaffolds that can provide potential opportunities in brain and spinal cord healing. We strive to discuss how miniaturization of tools and prostheses at the nanoscale will help exploring the central nervous system (CNS) at subcellular scales to exploit artificial devices adaptation to neuronal biology and functions. Finally, some of the key advancements and hurdles currently emerging in the use of such artificial nanodevices in vitro and in vivo are discussed.

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Acknowledgement

This work was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 737116 to L. B.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Trieste, Italy

    Sadaf Usmani & Laura Ballerini

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  1. Sadaf Usmani
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  2. Laura Ballerini
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Correspondence to Laura Ballerini .

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  1. SESCAM, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain

    Elisa López-Dolado

  2. CSIC, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

    María Concepción Serrano

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Usmani, S., Ballerini, L. (2022). Nanostructures to Potentiate Axon Navigation and Regrowth in the Damaged Central Nervous Tissue. In: López-Dolado, E., Concepción Serrano, M. (eds) Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81400-7_4

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