Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed an injectable biomaterial designed to aid brain recovery following ischemic stroke. In mouse experiments, the material, known as MAPS (microporous annealed particle scaffolds), transformed the cavity left by lost brain tissue into a more conducive environment for healing. The treatment leveraged the body’s immune cells, promoted new blood vessel formation, supported neural tissue changes, and improved motor function in the animals. The findings were published in Cell Biomaterials.
The researchers engineered the material to coordinate multiple repair processes simultaneously. They attached extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from astrocytes to the hydrogel microparticles, concentrating repair signals within the scaffold. This strategy effectively recruited immune cells, including macrophages and neutrophils, which played crucial roles in blood vessel repair and tissue remodeling. The presence of these immune cells, particularly neutrophils, was associated with enhanced axonal fiber formation and significant improvements in motor function, as evidenced by a grid-walking test. The study suggests that the biomaterial’s porous architecture, combined with localized EV signaling, is critical for the observed regenerative effects. However, the approach remains preclinical, with further research needed to assess safety and efficacy in larger models and to explore the use of human-derived EVs.