Abstract
While electrical circuits are a fundamental part of neural activity, the soft microstructural extracellular environment plays a vital role in driving the morphogenesis of neurons. To leverage this, we combine a wireless electromagnetic neural stimulation system with microfilamented anisotropic GelMA hydrogels to promote and guide neural morphogensis. We show that microfilamented GelMA hydrogels support anisotropic growth of dorsal root ganglion as potential peripheral neural guide conduit and promote the formation of hippocampal neurospheres networking. The central nervous system has limited regeneration due to glial scar formation, the presence of the perineuronal network, and limited upregulation of growth-associated genes post traumatic injuries. The system was further tested on human cortical brain tissue where hydrogel microfilaments promoted neurite outgrowth in a white-matter-mimicking manner between two pieces of brain slices, opening the possibility of central neural tissue regeneration.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
