Neural Tissue Engineering: An Overview

This lecture provides an overview of neural tissue engineering, covering the anatomical levels of the nervous system, cellular components, injuries, and the foreign-body response. It discusses the role of biomaterials in brain repair, protection, and regeneration, as well as specific cases of nerve injuries and spinal cord repair. The lecture delves into the cellular and molecular aspects of nervous system injuries, the response of the nervous system to implants, and the promotion of axonal regrowth. It also explores the use of scaffolds and bioadhesive grafts for peripheral nerve regeneration, as well as the implications of neural activity in promoting long-distance axon regeneration. The lecture concludes with insights into post-stroke neurological recovery and the desirable properties of biomaterials for brain protection and repair.