ERA NanoSci - Magnetic nanoparticles for nerve regeneration

生物工程研究正在探索分子和细胞疗法替代手术神经移植治疗严重的周围神经损伤。然而，迄今为止，尚未发现临床获益的进展。纳米科学的最新进展可能提供新的治疗可能性，作为现有手术技术的替代/补充。具体而言，MARVENE项目涉及使用磁性纳米颗粒（MNP）作为功能性纳米物体，以增强神经再生并为再生轴突提供指导。MNP可以打开新的治疗方法的基础上开发的机械力作用于MNP结合的神经元，以促进轴突伸长/生长的前沿。此外，用神经营养因子功能化的MNP的实现为新型分子治疗提供了不同的可能性，并且当与间充质干细胞结合时，MNP可以形成更有效的细胞治疗的基础。

Bioengineering research is exploring molecular and cell therapies alternative to surgical nerve grafting for the treatment of severe peripheral nerve injuries. However, to date there has been no progress of undoubted clinical benefit. The recent advances in nanoscience may provide new therapeutic possibilities as alternatives/supplements to established surgical techniques. Specifically, the MARVENE project is concerned with the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as functional nano-objects to enhance the nerve regeneration and provide guidance for the regenerating axons. MNPs could open the frontiers for new therapies based on the exploitation of the mechanical forces acting on MNPbound neurons to promote axonal elongation/growth. Furthermore, the realization of MNPs functionalised with neurotrophic factors offer distinct possibilities for novel molecular therapy and when bound to mesenchymal stem cells, MNPs may form the basis for more effective cell therapy.