@article {19844,
	title = {Multifunctional and Injectable Natural-based Hydrogels for CNS Applications},
	journal = {CHEM2NATURE summer school},
	year = {2018},
	month = {2018-06-30 00:00:00},
	address = {Porto},
	abstract = {<p class="abstract">Neuro-diseases can affect broadly the central nervous system (CNS), such as degenerative diseases, or result from a localized trauma as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or stroke. Once the homeostasis of the brain and/or its surroundings (e.g. glia, ECM) are compromised the treatment is a challenge, as the CNS possesses low endogenous capacity to self-repair, along with the specificity and complexity that need to be correctly restored, otherwise rends them useless. Biomaterials have been increasingly studied for CNS-related diseases, with special focus on natural-based hydrogels, due to their brain-like consistency and porosity, allowing molecule exchange. More interesting is the possibility to tune the biomaterials{\textquoteright} physicochemical properties to meet specified needs, and/or combined them with for example cells or genes, to further complement the therapy. Moreover, hydrogels can be injected in the liquid form and let to gelify <em>in situ</em>, avoiding invasive administrations. The combination of several components allows a more targeted and controlled delivery, and/or to tackle events occurring simultaneously in brain diseases (e.g. cell death and inflammation). The complexity of CNS-related pathologies will be reviewed as well as encouraging studies with biomaterials, cells and genes.</p>},
	keywords = {Biomaterials, Cells, Central nervous system, regeneration},
	author = {Oliveira, E. P. and Silva-Correia, J. and Reis, R. L. and Oliveira, J. M.}
}
