“Neural bypass” with hydrogel microfiber encapsulating neurons

This paper describes a “neural bypass” formed by hydrogel microfiber encapsulating neurons and glial cells. Using this bypass, we developed a technique to connect the separated neuronal regions without cell damage. We also demonstrated that a completely-transected cortical network was connected with the neural bypass. We believe that our neural bypass would be an extremely effective tool to connect damaged neuronal networks in the neurodegenerative diseases: cerebral infarction, stroke, brain trauma, Alzheimer´s disease.