A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer comprising the steps of: providing a co-monomer solution comprising at least one hydrophobic monomer, at least one hydrophilic monomer, water, at least one amino acid and at least one cross-linker; and polymerising the co-monomer solution.

Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods include localized release of immunosuppressive (ISV) agents are contemplated in one embodiment. Methods also include localized application of immunosuppressive (ISV) regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in other embodiments. Hydrogel carrier materials for delivery of ISV agents and are also described herein.

Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods include localized release of immunosuppressive (ISV) agents are contemplated in one embodiment. Methods also include localized application of immunosuppressive (ISV) regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in other embodiments. Hydrogel carrier materials for delivery of ISV agents and are also described herein.

In various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides a tissue engineered neuromuscular interface comprising: an extracellular matrix core; the extracellular matrix core comprising: a population of neurons at a first end of the extracellular matrix core, the population of neurons having axons extending at least a portion of the way along the extracellular matrix core; wherein the population of neurons is selected from the group consisting of one or more motor neurons, one or more motor neurons co-cultured with one or more sensory neurons, and a co-aggregate comprising one or more motor neurons and one or more sensory neurons.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a peripheral nerve-mimicking microtissue and to uses thereof, and relates to a method for manufacturing a peripheral nerve-mimicking microtissue having a diameter of 100?20 ?m composed of about 100 to 500 cells, comprising isolating an culturing peripheral nerve-derived stem cells (PNSCs), and forming a cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix binding through suspension culture of the isolated and cultured PNSCs, wherein the microtissue produced by culturing in a suspended culture environment has structural properties in which about 100 to 500 cells are assembled through cell-to-cell binding by ?-catenin, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced and secreted by the PNSCs between cells accumulates, and binding is performed by ?1-integrin between the accumulated ECM and cells, and this is similar to the peripheral nerve composition and constituent cells that are regenerated after injury. Functionally, the present invention can induce nerve tissue regeneration by secreting neurotrophic agents that act centrally on nerve regeneration in the peripheral nerve-mimicking microtissue.

The present disclosure provides fasciculated nerve grafts of customizable lengths and diameters, and methods of preparing the same. The grafts are made by digesting native extracellular matrix (ECM) around the nerve fascicles of a nerve tissue, and the epineurial sheath. One or more of the individual fascicles may then be entubulated in an entubulation material, embedded in or coated with a coating material, or both, to form a fasciculated nerve graft. The fasciculated nerve grafts are customizable and designed to bridge nerve gaps; the modularity of the fasciculated nerve graft allows for restoring continuity to nerve defects of virtually any length and allows for matching the diameter of the patient's recipient nerve.

The present disclosure describes the use of immune modulators to promote nerve growth and regeneration, particularly in the context of nerve deficit stemming from trauma and disease. In particular, the disclosure provides for the use of CXCR4 antagonists, STAT3 activators, and an agent that increases levels of nitric oxide, either alone or in any combination of these drugs, in surgery performed to treat nerve deficit conditions, especially peripheral nerve deficit conditions caused by cut injury or tear injury, the method especially useful in bridging nerve gaps of 3 cm or longer.

The present disclosure describes the use of immune modulators to promote nerve growth and regeneration, particularly in the context of nerve deficit stemming from trauma and disease. In particular, the disclosure provides for the use of of CXCR4 antagonsists, STAT3 activators, and an agent that increase nitric oxide, alone or in combination, to treat nerve deficit conditions.

Provided herein is a method of obtaining astrocytes from gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GDMSC). Also disclosed herein are systems comprising a biocompatible construct and a plurality of astrocytes obtained from a method disclosed herein and methods of making and using the same.

Slow vascularization of functional blood limits the transplantation of tissue constructs and the recovery of ischemic and wounded tissues. Blood vessel ingrowth into polysaccharide-based hydrogel scaffolds remains a challenge. A synergistic effect of multiple angiogenic GFs was established; the co-encapsulation of VEGF plus other growth factors induced more and larger blood vessels than any individual GF, while the combination of all GFs dramatically increased the size and number of newly formed functional vessels. Rapid, efficient, and functional neovascularization may be achieved.