title: Approaches to neural tissue engineering using scaffolds for drug delivery.
abstract: This review seeks to give an overview of the current approaches to drug delivery from scaffolds for neural tissue engineering applications. The challenges presented by attempting to replicate the three types of nervous tissue (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve) are summarized. Potential scaffold materials (both synthetic and natural) and target drugs are discussed with the benefits and drawbacks given. Finally, common methods of drug delivery, including degradable/diffusion-based delivery systems, affinity-based delivery systems, immobilized drug delivery systems, and electrically controlled drug delivery systems, are examined and critiqued. Based on the current body of work, suggestions for future directions of research in the field of neural tissue engineering are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Willerth
authors.forename: Shelly E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Sakiyama-Elbert
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008863:Microspheres; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors