Localized and sustained release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from injectable hydrogel/microparticle composites fosters spinal learning after spinal cord injury

• DOI: 10.1039/c6tb01602b
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20T16:25:48Z
• Authors: Zin Z. Khaing; Nikunj K. Agrawal; James H. Park; Shangjing Xin; Glendon C. Plumton; Kuan H. Lee; Yung-Jen Huang; Ashley L. Niemerski; Christine E. Schmidt; James W. Grau
• Keywords: Microparticle

Damaged axons in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), including those of spinal cord, have extremely limited endogenous capacity to regenerate. This is result both intrinsic and extrinsic inhibitory factors that limit regeneration neurons. Despite attempts or eliminate components, neurons CNS still limited. Therefore, additional can further enhance plasticity need be considered. Herein, we examine effects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a known growth for neuronal survival plasticity, using an vivo delivery method localized sustained cord. A highly versatile injectable biomaterial platform BDNF was developed physical blend hyaluronic acid (HA) methylcellulose (MC), combination with poly-lactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) microparticles. Contemporary studies examining suggest cord important site activity-dependent learning mediate motor function after injury disease. Here utilized such paradigm local application (at L3-S2) foster complete rodents. Our data composite systems as one described herein therapeutics following damage