Stem Cells Protected in Hydrogel Can Repair Brain Damage: Study

Researchers in Canada have created a medium that can help stem cells survive in the body and repair tissue damage.

Stem cells are capable of turning into any other type of tissue, with the potential to completely cure brain and nerve injuries. However when injected into the body, they often do not survive. Researchers at University of Toronto injected mice with stems cells encapsulated in a jelly like substance called hydrogel, which helped stem cells survive and repair injury.

Researchers who created hyrdogel earlier found it was efficient in transport of stem cells. The new study shows that it can also help in promoting repair. This ability has been attributed to the component hyaluronan which keeps the cells alive. Researchers injected the gel-stem cell combination into eyes of blind mice.

"After cell transplantation, our measurements showed that mice with previously no visual function regained approximately 15 per cent of their pupillary response. Their eyes are beginning to detect light and respond appropriately," said Dr. Brian Ballios.

In the second part of the study, researchers injected stem cells into brains of mice that had suffered strokes only to find improvement in their motor coordination.

"This study goes one step further, showing that the hydrogels do more than just hold stem cells together; they directly promote stem cell survival and integration. This brings stem-cell based therapy closer to reality," said Molly Shoichet, a professor who led the study.

The study has been published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.