Trans-septal delivery of hydrogel-encapsulated human umbilical cord MSC-derived neurospheres for acute neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury.
📄 Abstract
This study explores the therapeutic potential of hydrogel-encapsulated neurospheres derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in mitigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and enhancing functional recovery in a rodent model. Trans-septal (intranasal) transplantation of these neurospheres demonstrated significant neurological improvement, reduced neuronal damage, and preserved neuronal structures and functions. The hUC-MSCs cultured in a customized bioreactor retained essential MSC characteristics, including marker expression and multi-lineage differentiation potential, ensuring their therapeutic efficacy. Following neural induction, hUC-MSCs formed neurospheres that promoted cell aggregation, differentiation, and neuroprotective effects. Encapsulation within a hydrogel provided a stable environment, significantly reducing TBI-induced cell death in co-cultured HT22 cells and improving