Specially patterned and aligned neural bundle formed by neural stem cell microfibers

This paper describes preliminary result of a specially patterned and aligned neural bundle formed by neural stem cell (NSC) microfibers for neural transplantation. The NSC microfibers are made by core-shell hydrogel microfiber encapsulating mouse NSCs. We developed a technique to align microfibers in a straight line and arrange the fibers in special patterns. Using this technique, we formed a neural bundle covered with neural-supporting cells (glial cell fibers). We believe that our neural bundle would be an extremely effective tool for tissue engineering to fabricate macroscopic neural tissue constructs and medical transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases: cerebral infarction, stroke, spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve injury.