Engineered Dopaminergic Axonal Tracts within a Tubular Hydrogel Encasement for Living Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

摘要

DA micro-TENNs mimic features of the nigrostriatal pathway, and we have shown initial evidence of feasibility for transplantation. In future studies, we will optimize the encasement with alternative biomaterials and build constructs with human stem cell-derived neurons for increased clinical relevance. We will also assess the capacity of micro-TENNs to restore striatal dopamine and improve motor control in lesioned rats following tonic, open-loop and phasic, closed-loop optical stimulation. These studies will establish the potential of "living DBS" as a solution to naturally restore dopamine levels in the striatum in a manner controllable by externalized devices.