Thermoswitching microgel carriers improve neuronal cell growth and cell release for cell transplantation.

Successful cell replacement therapy in the central nervous system (CNS) depends on both the transplanted cell type and the cell delivery method. It was established that differentiated neurons are the most desirable cell source; however, they are highly sensitive to dissociation shear; removing them from the growth surface inflicts serious damage, rendering them less viable for transplantation. Pilot experiments using glass colloids as injectable cell carriers for cell transplantation in the adult rat hippocampus have greatly improved neuron survival and long-term neuron integration.