Biomechanical properties of the spinal cord: implications for tissue engineering and clinical translation.
Spinal cord injury is a severely debilitating condition which can leave individuals paralyzed and suffering from autonomic dysfunction. Regenerative medicine may offer a promising solution to this problem. Previous research has focused primarily on exploring the cellular and biological aspects of the spinal cord, yet relatively little remains known about the biomechanical properties of spinal cord tissue. Given that a number of regenerative strategies aim to deliver cells and materials in the form of tissue-engineered therapies, understanding the biomechanical properties of host spinal cord tissue is important. We review the relevant biomechanical properties of spinal cord tissue and provide the baseline knowledge required to apply these important physical concepts to spinal cord tissue engineering.
Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK.|Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
Richard D
RD
Bartlett
Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
David
D
Choi
Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK.
James B
JB
Phillips
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D044968:Regenerative Medicine; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
CNS; biomechanical properties; biomechanics; mechanical properties; regenerative medicine; spinal cord; spinal cord injury; spinal cord repair; tissue engineering