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Rahimian S, Najafi H, Webber CA, Jalali H. Advances in Exosome-Based Therapies for the Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injuries. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04157-1. [PMID: 38807021 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are the term used to describe injuries that occur to the nerve fibers of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Such injuries may be caused by trauma, infection, or aberrant immunological response. Although the peripheral nervous system has a limited capacity for self-repair, in cases of severe damage, this process is either interrupted entirely or is only partially completed. The evaluation of variables that promote the repair of peripheral nerves has consistently been a focal point. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that originate from cellular sources and possess abundant proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, play a critical role in facilitating intercellular communication. Due to their modifiable composition, they possess exceptional capabilities as carriers for therapeutic compounds, including but not limited to mRNAs or microRNAs. Exosome-based therapies have gained significant attention in the treatment of several nervous system diseases due to their advantageous properties, such as low toxicity, high stability, and limited immune system activation. The objective of this review article is to provide an overview of exosome-based treatments that have been developed in recent years for a range of PNIs, including nerve trauma, diabetic neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). It was concluded that exosomes could provide favorable results in the improvement of peripheral PNIs by facilitating the transfer of regenerative factors. The development of bioengineered exosome therapy for PNIs should be given more attention to enhance the efficacy of exosome treatment for PNIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Rahimian
- Division of Nanobiotehnology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Najafi
- Division of Nanobiotehnology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christine A Webber
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hanieh Jalali
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, No. 43, South Moffateh Ave, Tehran, 15719-14911, Iran.
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Micera S, Menciassi A, Cianferotti L, Gruppioni E, Lionetti V. Organ Neuroprosthetics: Connecting Transplanted and Artificial Organs with the Nervous System. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302896. [PMID: 38656615 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Implantable neural interfaces with the central and peripheral nervous systems are currently used to restore sensory, motor, and cognitive functions in disabled people with very promising results. They have also been used to modulate autonomic activities to treat diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Here, this study proposes to extend the use of these technologies to (re-)establish the connection between new (transplanted or artificial) organs and the nervous system in order to increase the long-term efficacy and the effective biointegration of these solutions. In this perspective paper, some clinically relevant applications of this approach are briefly described. Then, the choices that neural engineers must implement about the type, implantation location, and closed-loop control algorithms to successfully realize this approach are highlighted. It is believed that these new "organ neuroprostheses" are going to become more and more valuable and very effective solutions in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvestro Micera
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56127, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Center Health Science, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56127, Italy
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Arianna Menciassi
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56127, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Center Health Science, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Luisella Cianferotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Lionetti
- Interdisciplinary Research Center Health Science, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, 56127, Italy
- UOSVD Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, 56127, Italy
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Falconieri A, Folino P, Da Palmata L, Raffa V. Nano-pulling stimulates axon regeneration in dorsal root ganglia by inducing stabilization of axonal microtubules and activation of local translation. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1340958. [PMID: 38633213 PMCID: PMC11022966 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1340958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Axonal plasticity is strongly related to neuronal development as well as regeneration. It was recently demonstrated that active mechanical tension, intended as an extrinsic factor, is a valid contribution to the modulation of axonal plasticity. Methods In previous publications, our team validated a the "nano-pulling" method used to apply mechanical forces to developing axons of isolated primary neurons using magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) actuated by static magnetic fields. This method was found to promote axon growth and synaptic maturation. Here, we explore the use of nano-pulling as an extrinsic factor to promote axon regeneration in a neuronal tissue explant. Results Whole dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were thus dissected from a mouse spinal cord, incubated with MNPs, and then stretched. We found that particles were able to penetrate the ganglion and thus become localised both in the somas and in sprouting axons. Our results highlight that nano-pulling doubles the regeneration rate, and this is accompanied by an increase in the arborizing capacity of axons, an accumulation of cellular organelles related to mass addition (endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria) and pre-synaptic proteins with respect to spontaneous regeneration. In line with the previous results on isolated hippocampal neurons, we observed that this process is coupled to an increase in the density of stable microtubules and activation of local translation. Discussion Our data demonstrate that nano-pulling enhances axon regeneration in whole spinal ganglia exposed to MNPs and external magnetic fields. These preliminary data represent an encouraging starting point for proposing nano-pulling as a biophysical tool for the design of novel therapies based on the use of force as an extrinsic factor for promoting nerve regeneration.
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Redolfi Riva E, Özkan M, Contreras E, Pawar S, Zinno C, Escarda-Castro E, Kim J, Wieringa P, Stellacci F, Micera S, Navarro X. Beyond the limiting gap length: peripheral nerve regeneration through implantable nerve guidance conduits. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1371-1404. [PMID: 38363090 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve damage results in the loss of sensorimotor and autonomic functions, which is a significant burden to patients. Furthermore, nerve injuries greater than the limiting gap length require surgical repair. Although autografts are the preferred clinical choice, their usage is impeded by their limited availability, dimensional mismatch, and the sacrifice of another functional donor nerve. Accordingly, nerve guidance conduits, which are tubular scaffolds engineered to provide a biomimetic environment for nerve regeneration, have emerged as alternatives to autografts. Consequently, a few nerve guidance conduits have received clinical approval for the repair of short-mid nerve gaps but failed to regenerate limiting gap damage, which represents the bottleneck of this technology. Thus, it is still necessary to optimize the morphology and constituent materials of conduits. This review summarizes the recent advances in nerve conduit technology. Several manufacturing techniques and conduit designs are discussed, with emphasis on the structural improvement of simple hollow tubes, additive manufacturing techniques, and decellularized grafts. The main objective of this review is to provide a critical overview of nerve guidance conduit technology to support regeneration in long nerve defects, promote future developments, and speed up its clinical translation as a reliable alternative to autografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Redolfi Riva
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Melis Özkan
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neural Engineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, école Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Estefania Contreras
- Integral Service for Laboratory Animals (SIAL), Faculty of Veterinary, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Sujeet Pawar
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ciro Zinno
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrique Escarda-Castro
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaehyeon Kim
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Wieringa
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesco Stellacci
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neural Engineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, école Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Institute Guttmann Foundation, Hospital of Neurorehabilitation, Badalona, Spain
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Bianchini M, Zinno C, Micera S, Redolfi Riva E. Improved Physiochemical Properties of Chitosan@PCL Nerve Conduits by Natural Molecule Crosslinking. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1712. [PMID: 38136583 PMCID: PMC10741752 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve conduits may represent a valuable alternative to autograft for the regeneration of long-gap damages. However, no NCs have currently reached market approval for the regeneration of limiting gap lesions, which still represents the very bottleneck of this technology. In recent years, a strong effort has been made to envision an engineered graft to tackle this issue. In our recent work, we presented a novel design of porous/3D-printed chitosan/poly-ε-caprolactone conduits, coupling freeze drying and additive manufacturing technologies to yield conduits with good structural properties. In this work, we studied genipin crosslinking as strategy to improve the physiochemical properties of our conduit. Genipin is a natural molecule with very low toxicity that has been used to crosslink chitosan porous matrix by binding the primary amino group of chitosan chains. Our characterization evidenced a stabilizing effect of genipin crosslinking towards the chitosan matrix, with reported modified porosity and ameliorated mechanical properties. Given the reported results, this method has the potential to improve the performance of our conduits for the regeneration of long-gap nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bianchini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Ciro Zinno
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
- Translational Neuroengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Redolfi Riva
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
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Shi S, Ou X, Cheng D. How Advancing is Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Nanofiber Scaffolds? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:6763-6779. [PMID: 38026517 PMCID: PMC10657550 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s436871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries present significant challenges in regenerative medicine, primarily due to inherent limitations in the body's natural healing processes. In response to these challenges and with the aim of enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration, nanofiber scaffolds have emerged as a promising and advanced intervention. However, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanistic foundations that drive the favorable contributions of nanofiber scaffolds to nerve regeneration is essential. In this comprehensive review, we make an exploration of the latent potential of nanofiber scaffolds in augmenting peripheral nerve regeneration. This exploration includes a detailed introduction to the fabrication methods of nanofibers, an analysis of the intricate interactions between these scaffolds and cellular entities, an examination of strategies related to the controlled release of bioactive agents, an assessment of the prospects for clinical translation, an exploration of emerging trends, and thorough considerations regarding biocompatibility and safety. By comprehensively elucidating the intricate structural attributes and multifaceted functional capacities inherent in nanofiber scaffolds, we aim to offer a prospective and effective strategy for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Shi
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuehai Ou
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deliang Cheng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
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