Conductive Polymer Scaffold Implant for Neural Stem Cell Tissue Engineering

Researchers in Prof. Paul George's laboratory have patented a conductive polymer scaffold designed to electrically stimulate neural progenitor cells (NPCs) for enhanced neural regeneration. The scaffold mimics the natural environment for growing NPCs and aids in transferring cells to regenerate damaged brain tissue, such as ischemic damage from a stroke. This biocompatible, electrically conductive polymer plate is attached to an implantable cannula system. It can be used to electrically stimulate neural stem cells in culture or directly in the brain, promoting paracrine signals that improve vasculature and endogenous stem cell production. This innovation combines electrical and chemical stimulation for neural recovery, enhancing neural regeneration and rehabilitation. The technology has applications in basic research and therapeutics, optimizing recovery from neural damage, especially stroke.

Stage of Research
The inventors have demonstrated the efficacy of the conductive polymer scaffold for preconditioning NPCs in vitro and stimulating cells in vivo:

In vivo studies - The inventors used the scaffold and cannula system to deliver NPCs and apply electrical stimulation in a rat model of occlusion stroke. They demonstrated that the system can enhance recovery and improve post-stroke functional outcomes.

In vitro preconditioning - The inventors used the scaffold to electrically stimulate NPCs 1 day prior to transferring the implant into the brain using a rat model of stroke. The preconditioned cells improved post-stroke neurologic function and had downstream effects on the host cortex.