A Prosperous Application of Hydrogels With Extracellular Vesicles Release for Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, becoming a heavy burden to the family and society. However, the complexity of the brain and the existence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) do limit most therapeutics effects through simple intravascular injection. Hence, an effective therapy promoting neurological recovery is urgently required. Although limited spontaneous recovery of function post-TBI does occur, increasing evidence indicates that exosomes derived from stem cells promote these endogenous processes. The advantages of hydrogels for transporting drugs and stem cells to target injured sites have been discussed in multitudinous studies. Therefore, the combined employment of hydrogels and exosomes for TBI is worthy of further study. Herein, we review current research associated with the application of hydrogels and exosomes for TBI. We also discuss the possibilities and advantages of exosomes and hydrogels co-therapies after TBI.

Keywords: biocompatible materials; exosomes; hydrogels; therapy; traumatic brain injury.

Figure 1

Pathophysiology of TBI. (A) Some pathophysiology of secondary injury after TBI, such as formation of the cavity and glial scar, enriched activated astrocytes and microglia, and decreased neurovascular units. (B) The possible advantages of hydrogels for exosome treatment in TBI, like filling the cavity, direct access to the lesion, increased neurovascular units, and continuous release of exosomes. Then exosomes target various cellular and molecular pathophysiological states, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis.