Amniotic Membrane‐Derived Multichannel Hydrogels for Neural Tissue Repair

• Published in: Advanced healthcare materials 2024-10, Vol.13 (27), p.e2400522-n/a
• Main Authors: Sousa, Joana P.M., Deus, Inês A., Monteiro, Cátia F., Custódio, Catarina A., Gil, João, Papadimitriou, Lina, Ranella, Anthi, Stratakis, Emmanuel, Mano, João F., Marques, Paula A.A.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amniotic membrane; Axon guidance; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Cell culture; hydrogel; Hydrogels; Membranes; multichannel; Nerves; nervous system; Neural networks; Neural stem cells; Physiology; Regeneration; Regeneration (physiology); Scaffolds; Softness; Stem cells; Synapses; Synaptic vesicles; Tissue engineering; tissue regeneration
• ISSN: 2192-2640; 2192-2659; 2192-2659
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400522

In the pursuit of advancing neural tissue regeneration, biomaterial scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates, offering potential solutions for nerve disruptions. Among these scaffolds, multichannel hydrogels, characterized by meticulously designed micrometer‐scale channels, stand out as instrumental tools for guiding axonal growth and facilitating cellular interactions. This study explores the innovative application of human amniotic membranes modified with methacryloyl domains (AMMA) in neural stem cell (NSC) culture. AMMA hydrogels, possessing a tailored softness resembling the physiological environment, are prepared in the format of multichannel scaffolds to simulate native‐like microarchitecture of nerve tracts. Preliminary experiments on AMMA hydrogel films showcase their potential for neural applications, demonstrating robust adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of NSCs without the need for additional coatings. Transitioning into the 3D realm, the multichannel architecture fosters intricate neuronal networks guiding neurite extension longitudinally. Furthermore, the presence of synaptic vesicles within the cellular arrays suggests the establishment of functional synaptic connections, underscoring the physiological relevance of the developed neuronal networks. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to find ethical, clinically translatable, and functionally relevant approaches for regenerative neuroscience. A new class of multichannel hydrogels made of human amniotic membrane proteins incorporating photoresponsive groups is proposed for neural tissue engineering. These innovative hydrogels promote robust neural stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The 3D architecture comprising longitudinal channels fosters intricate neuronal networks and synaptic connections, presenting a promising, ethical approach for regenerative neuroscience.