Scaffold for growing neuronal cells and tissue

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition based on poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) acid polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) scaffold on which neuronal tissue can ex-vivo grow. Further, more the invention provides a method for making cellular vasculature networks and a method for treating a neuronal injury in a subject, by implanting the current composition.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating a neuronal injury in a subject, comprising the step of implanting an ex-vivo vascularized implant in a site of neuronal injury, said ex-vivo vascularized implant comprises: a porous sponge comprising poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA); olfactory bulb cells attached to the surface of said porous sponge and within said porous sponge; an endogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) de-novo produced by said olfactory bulb cells; and vasculature formed in-vitro within said porous sponge, thereby treating a neuronal injury in a subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said olfactory bulb cells express the NGF receptor p75NTR. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said olfactory bulb cells comprise fibroblasts, astrocytes and olfactory ensheathing cells. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said ex-vivo vascularized implant further comprises an endothelial cell, a fibroblast, or both. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said ex-vivo vascularized implant further comprises fibronectin, fibrin, thrombin, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said ex-vivo vascularized implant further comprises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) de-novo produced by said olfactory bulb cells. 
     
     
         7 . A method for making a neuronal ex-vivo vascularized implant, comprising the step of co-culturing cells on a 3D scaffold in the presence of culture medium, said cells comprises olfactory bulb cells and endothelial cells, said 3D scaffold comprises poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA), said neuronal ex-vivo vascularized implant produces nerve growth factor (NGF), thereby making a neuronal ex-vivo vascularized implant. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said ex-vivo vascularized implant expresses the NGF receptor p75NTR. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said olfactory bulb cells comprise fibroblasts, astrocytes and olfactory ensheathing cells. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said 3D scaffold further comprises fibronectin, fibrin, thrombin, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 . wherein said ex-vivo vascularized implant further comprises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) de-novo produced by said olfactory bulb cells.