This National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) Project Grant award of $500,000.00 to Cleveland State University (CSU) supports research aimed at developing bioprinted tissue scaffolds with Schwann cell density gradients and electrical conductivity for peripheral nerve regeneration.
The key goals of this 3-year project are to: 1) determine the influence of Schwann cell density gradients on axonal regrowth, 2) develop electrically conductive hydrogel substrates to study the effects of scaffold electrical properties on neural axon growth, and 3) evaluate the performance of bioprinted electrically conductive scaffolds with Schwann cell density gradients in promoting the regeneration of injured sciatic nerves in rat models. This work is expected to provide mechanistic insights into how Schwann cell gradients and electrical properties can enhance axonal regeneration, while also advancing Schwann cell-based therapies in nerve tissue engineering and introducing novel bioprinting techniques and materials for peripheral nerve repair.
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