Biomaterials, 2019 · DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.012 · Published: April 1, 2019
This review explores ex vivo models and lab-on-a-chip devices for studying brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve regeneration, essential for neural tissue engineering research. Ex vivo models have evolved from 2D cell cultures to complex 3D tissue-engineered systems, bioreactors, and organoids to better mimic living tissues. Lab-on-a-chip devices are discussed for neural tissue engineering, along with commercial products mimicking healthy and diseased neural tissues, highlighting future directions in this field.
Ex vivo models and lab-on-a-chip devices can serve as more accurate preclinical models, bridging the gap between in vitro studies and animal models, thus improving the reliability of clinical trials.
These advanced models can facilitate high-throughput drug screening and testing, leading to the identification of more effective regenerative strategies for neural repair.
Patient-specific organoids and lab-on-a-chip devices can be developed to model individual responses to therapies, enabling personalized treatment approaches.