NEURAL TISSUE ENGINEERING - FROM POLYMER TO BIOHYBRID ORGANS

This investigation reports on the immobilization of neuronal and glial cells (Schwann cells and astrocytes) within N-(2-hydroxypropyl) metha crylamide (HPMA) polymer hydrogels for the production of cell-based po lymer hybrid devices. Cells were included within HPMA polymer networks by gel-entrapment, and these biogels were maintained in vitro for up to 6 days. Cell viability and differentiation were studied using immun ocytochemical methods and image analysis techniques. The polymer struc ture and its relationships with cells were examined by scanning electr on microscopy. A proportion of the cell population was viable, express ing its own antigenic profile throughout the period of gel incubation, as cells do in conventional culture conditions, and some cells exhibi ted behaviour such as spreading or process outgrowth and secretion of laminin. The result of the present study allows us to envisage tissue replacement in the central nervous system by means of such cell-based polymer constructs.