From microsphere synthesis to neural tissue regeneration: Unraveling the potentials and progress

Abstract

Microspheres have been extensively employed as drug delivery systems within the realm of tissue engineering, owing to their remarkable controlled release capabilities. The inherent properties of microspheres, with respect to size and structure, endow them with the ability to form tiny porous network architectures. These architectures can serve as platforms for the delivery of growth factors, drugs, or nanoscale materials, thereby progressively emerging as fundamental constituents in the fabrication of tissue regeneration scaffolds. In the domain of neural tissue engineering, microspheres represent ideal carriers, as they are capable of furnishing multifactorial cues during nerve tissue repair. Such cues encompass the delivery of chemical signals essential for neuronal communication, the conveyance of biological factors conducive to axon outgrowth, and the responsiveness to physical stimulations. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and systematic work summary regarding the application of microspheres in neural tissue engineering remains scarce. Consequently, in this review, we initially conduct a systematic overview of the preparation methodologies, optimization strategies in terms of smart responsiveness, and characterization techniques of diverse microspheres. Additionally, we further consolidate the application of microsphere-based scaffolds in the remediation of nerve injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and peripheral nerve injury. Finally, the challenges and prospective directions pertaining to microspheres in tissue engineering are deliberated. The current work is anticipated to offer valuable references for the advancement of microspheres in the domain of various tissue engineering applications.