Central Nervous System Tissue Engineering: Current Considerations and Strategies

This book will contain a brief overview of CNS components, basic structure and function, as well as the response to injury and disease. Common biomaterials and cell sources used in CNS tissue engineering are introduced. Their relation to chemical, physical and electrical stimulation used to cue growth, differentiation, and/or migration of exogenous and endogenous tissue is outlined and explored. The incorporation of high performance biomaterials, cells, and multiple cues for stimulation and guidance are discussed as well as their potential for restoration of nervous tissue function. Finally, outstanding issues and possible new directions in the field are offered for future consideration.