Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a damaged peripheral nerve is provided. A coupler includes a stabilizing assembly applied to a distal end of a damaged area of the nerve and applied to a proximal end of the damaged area, the coupler adapted so that the proximal end and the distal end are maintained in a stabile abutting relationship in which nerve repair can occur. A chamber is placed in proximity to the damaged area, having a therapeutic agent. Illustratively, the distal end and the proximal end are severed from each other. The coupler can define one of (a) coupler halves that surround the proximal end and the distal end and allow fixing members to be applied to the proximal end and the distal end and (b) cuffs that engage, and are fixed to, each of the proximal end and the distal end and are engaged by overlying coupler halves.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides a tissue engineered neuromuscular interface comprising: an extracellular matrix core; the extracellular matrix core comprising: a population of neurons at a first end of the extracellular matrix core, the population of neurons having axons extending at least a portion of the way along the extracellular matrix core; wherein the population of neurons is selected from the group consisting of one or more motor neurons, one or more motor neurons co-cultured with one or more sensory neurons, and a co-aggregate comprising one or more motor neurons and one or more sensory neurons.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of obtaining astrocytes from gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GDMSC). Also disclosed herein are systems comprising a biocompatible construct and a plurality of astrocytes obtained from a method disclosed herein and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments the present disclosure provides a construct comprising a pre-formed neural network, the construct comprising a micro-column comprising an outer sheath comprising a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, and a core comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM); a plurality of neurons within the micro-column. The present disclosure further provides methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are living scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration, the living scaffolds including tissue engineered nerve grafts (TENGs) programmed to express neurogenic growth factors with temporal and spatial control. Further provided herein are compositions and methods for facilitating nerve regeneration, such as compositions and methods comprising TENGs modified to express a neurotrophic growth factor.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system, e.g., a living electrode, comprising a biocompatible construct comprising a matrix, and a plurality of auditory neurons. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the system, and methods of using the same for implantation in a subject, for modulating an auditory neuron in the subject, and/or for treating or alleviating a symptom of a hearing loss disorder. Further provided herein are kits comprising the system described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing a brain injury in a subject having an elevated risk of a traumatic brain injury or concussion, the method comprising: prophylactically administering to the subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a PUFA. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to sports drinks and dietary supplements comprising a PUFA. In some embodiments, the PUFA is an omega-6 PUFA such as omega-6 docosapentaenoic acid.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments, the present invention provides methods for maintaining motor neuron health in the spinal cord and pro-regenerative capacity of a proximal nerve segment subsequent to a nerve injury in a subject in need thereof, the methods comprising transplanting a stretch-grown tissue engineered nerve graft (TENG) into a proximal site contacting the proximal nerve segment.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments, the present invention provides methods for preparing innervated tissue. In various embodiments the invention further provides innervated tissue generated using the methods described herein. In various embodiments the inclusion of optogenetically transducible TENGs or Micro-TENNs in the innervated tissue allows the modulation of tissue or organs by using light to stimulate the optogenetically transducible TENGs or Micro-TENNs.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition comprising a tissue engineered axonal tract, as well as a method of making it. The invention also includes methods for treating nerve injury in a subject by contacting the site of nerve injury with a tissue engineered axonal tract, wherein the axons from the tissue engineered axonal tract fuse with axons from the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining the pro-regenerative capacity of distal nerve segments following nerve injury.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining the pro-regenerative capacity of distal nerve segments following nerve injury.