Duke University engineers develop injectable biomaterial for brain regeneration after stroke

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed an injectable biomaterial designed to help the brain regenerate following an ischemic stroke. The treatment, detailed in the journal Cell Biomaterials, utilizes microporous annealed particle scaffolds (MAPS) made of hydrogel microparticles.

Unlike current medical interventions that focus on restoring blood flow to prevent further damage, this approach aims to repair the cavity left behind after brain tissue has already died. The scaffold is loaded with extracellular vesicles collected from astrocytes, which act as signaling molecules to attract immune cells to the injury site.

In preliminary experiments involving mice, the treatment promoted the growth of new blood vessels and neural remodeling. Researchers observed that treated mice showed significant recovery in motor performance, with some regaining forelimb movement within eight weeks. While these results are promising, the treatment has only been tested in mice and has not yet been evaluated in humans.