Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering of Glial Cells

Abstract

Glial cells play a remarkable structural and functional role in the nervous system compared to neurons. However, damage to glial cells leads to degeneration and the onset of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. It is well known that the central nervous system (CNS) has a limited capacity for tissue regeneration. The use of chitosan-based biomaterials has emerged as a potential alternative solution to overcome these limitations. Interest in these biomaterials for CNS biomedical implementation has increased due to their ability to cross the BBB, their mucoadherence, and especially their hydrogel-forming capacity. In addition, their ability to form porous scaffolds and to carry cells and biomolecules has offered a means of achieving glial cell regeneration. Thus, this chapter aims to bring together recent work that highlights the potential of chitosan-based biomaterials suitable for glial cell tissue engineering.