@article {19845,
	title = {Multifunctional Scaffolds for Brain Repair Following Ischemic Stroke},
	journal = {CHEM2NATURE FINAL CONFERENCE},
	year = {2018},
	month = {2018-10-31 00:00:00},
	address = {Guimar{\~a}es},
	abstract = {<p>Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and increased numbers are being reported each year. Stroke impairs surviving patients{\textquoteright} life and current treatments are scarce, with a narrow therapeutic window. Providing the conditions for brain repair on lesion sites, protecting remaining neurons and stimulating endogenous mechanisms are key targets for brain recovery/regeneration following stroke. The present work focus on stem cell transplantation (NSCs and MSCs), for trophic support and cell replacement, to be encapsulated within Mn<sup>2+ </sup>hydrogels (blends of thiolated Hyaluronic Acid and methacrylated Gellan Gum) to promote transplanted/host cells{\textquoteright} survival and proliferation. Additionally, growth factor-loaded nanoparticles will be blended on the hydrogel, for their controlled release on the lesion site. The incorporation of Mn<sup>2+</sup> into the hydrogels will allow the biomaterials{\textquoteright} imaging during implantation and throughout the experiment. The goal is to provide a suitable environment for neural regeneration following stroke, while allowing the imaging of scaffolds through MRI-based techniques. The functionalization of the Hyaluronic Acid (HA) was successful, as proved by NMR analysis and physical assessment (in basic pH the hydrogel reacts with oxygen and self-crosslinks without needing the addition of other compounds). The thiolated HA was incubated for 4 hours with murine erythrocytes and did not produce haemolysis (bursting of the erythrocytes) in any of the concentrations (0.5\%, 1\% and 1.5\%), as established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) haemolytic index. The future work will consist in evaluating the biocompatibility of the produced hydrogel, using NSCs and MSCs cultures.</p>},
	keywords = {Biomaterials, Stem cells, Stroke, Tissue engineering},
	author = {Oliveira, E. P. and Silva-Correia, J. and Sim{\'o}n-V{\'a}zquez, R. and Gonzalez-Fern{\'a}ndez, A. and Walczak, P. and Reis, R. L. and Oliveira, J. M.}
}
