Injectable hydrogel scaffold aids brain repair in mouse stroke models

The short version

• Duke University engineers designed an injectable biomaterial scaffold paired with astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles to repair stroke-induced brain cavities.
• In preclinical mouse models, the treatment recruited immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, stimulating blood vessel growth and restoring motor skills to levels comparable to healthy controls.
• The therapy remains in early preclinical stages, requiring safety assessments and trials in larger animal models before human clinical applications can be explored.

Key facts

• Duke University biomedical engineers created a microporous annealed particle scaffold (MAPS) coated with astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles and signaling molecules IL-4 and C1q to treat stroke cavities.[ScienceDaily]
• In mouse tests, the scaffold recruited immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which facilitated tissue remodeling and blood vessel growth rather than causing further damage.[ScienceDaily]
• Treated mice showed increased axonal fibers and recovered motor function, performing indistinguishably from healthy control mice on a grid-walking test by eight weeks post-treatment.[ScienceDaily]
• Administering extracellular vesicles without the physical hydrogel scaffold failed to generate comparable vascular repair.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• New injectable treatment helps the brain rebuild after strokeScienceDaily - Health