HYDROGELS FOR NEURAL TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPLANTATION

Since the first use of hydrogels as biomaterials, interest in syntheti c hydrogels in medicine has increased considerably and the range of bi omedical applications has expanded. This paper discusses a novel appli cation of the use of synthetic hydrogels that are processed to serve a s artificial matrices for neural tissue reconstruction, the delivery o f cells and the promotion of axonal regeneration required for successf ul neurotransplantation. The possibility to create hydrogels with bioa ctive characteristics for neural cell adhesion and growth is also pres ented.