Research Progress on the Physicochemical Properties of Hydrogels Regulating the Fate of Neural Stem Cells and the Repair of Neural Injury

WANG Shouye^1,2, ZHANG Lei^1,2, GE Longjiao^1,2*, ZHANG Runrui^1,2*

(¹State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; ²Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract:

Hydrogel is one type of highly hydrophilic polymer materials that can simulate the extracellular microenvironment of NSCs (neural stem cells), and it can be used as the carrier of NSCs for cell transplantation therapy. Refining the physicochemical properties of hydrogels can promote survival, differentiation and migration of the transplanted NSCs. The physicochemical properties of hydrogels include matrix composition, viscoelasticity, hardness, degradability, conductivty and the response to physical stimuli. Here this paper reviews the role of hydrogel physicochemical properties in NSC fate regulation and the application of hydrogel-carried NSCs in CNS (central nervous system) repair. This review provides clues and insights to promote CNS repair by modulating hydrogel physicochemical characteristics.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2023.01.0015