Abstract: Sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) is employed as a novel GAG mimetic. Schwann cells (SCs) could be used in combination with a scaffold because the SCs can secrete neurotrophic factors stimulating neuron survival and extension of axons. Furthermore, the conduit may be used alone or combination with Schwann cells for spinal cord repair. In addition, the conduit also can be used for peripheral nerve repair. Also described herein are compositions and methods useful for promoting the growth and/or differentiation and/or repair of a cell and/or tissue in the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and specifically the spinal cord. In certain aspects, the present disclosure includes a scaffold supporting and promoting growth, differentiation, and/or regeneration and repair. The scaffold in one embodiment closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spinal cord.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for increasing survival of transplanted cells, either in vitro or in vivo. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for treating a subject with a spinal cord injury or a neurodegenerative disorder. The methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of cells, such as bone marrow stromal cells, and a therapeutically effective amount of a reverse thermal gel composition. The reverse thermal gel compositing includes a triblock copolymer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the structure B-A-B in which A is one of a polyurethane or poly(ester urethane) group that comprises one or more pendant active groups, blocked active groups or active agents and B is a hydrophilic block, wherein the composition is a gel at 25° C.-40° C. and a liquid solution at a lower temperature.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for increasing survival of transplanted cells, either in vitro or in vivo. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for treating a subject with a spinal cord injury or a neurodegenerative disorder. The methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of cells, such as bone marrow stromal cells, and a therapeutically effective amount of a reverse thermal gel composition. The reverse thermal gel compositing includes a triblock copolymer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the structure B-A-B in which A is one of a polyurethane or poly(ester urethane) group that comprises one or more pendant active groups, blocked active groups or active agents and B is a hydrophilic block, wherein the composition is a gel at 25° C.-40° C. and a liquid solution at a lower temperature.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.