Neural tissue regeneration in experimental brain injury model with channeled scaffolds of acrylate copolymers

• Implanted biomaterials after experimental brain injury become colonized by host local neurons, glia, and endothelial cells.
• The copolymer p(EA-co-HEA) scaffold acts as a physical support enabling cell infiltration from host tissue after experimental brain injury.
• The glial scar (GFAP positive cells) is moderate after 8 weeks.
• There are new vessels into the implant and between tissue and scaffold.
• This is promising for clinical applications in central nervous system damage.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and cell hosting ability of a copolymer scaffold based on ethyl acrylate (EA) and hydroxyl ethyl acrylate (HEA) in vivo after an experimental brain injury. Wistar rats were subjected to cryogenic traumatic brain injury. We evaluated the tissue response to the implanted materials after 8 weeks. The materials were implanted devoid of cells; they provoked a minimal scar response by the host tissue and permitted the invasion of neurons and glia inside them. We also found new blood vessels surrounding and inside the implant. Thus, the copolymer scaffold proves to offer a suitable environment producing a cellular network potentially useful in brain repair after brain injury.