Significance
Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel promotes constructive tissue remodeling in many tissues. Minimally invasive delivery of such scaffold materials to the central nervous system (CNS) would require an injectable form that exists in fluid phase at room temperature, while forming hydrogels at body temperature in a concentration-dependent fashion. We here report the rheological characterization of an injectable ECM hydrogel and its concentration-dependent delivery into a lesion cavity formed after a stroke based on MRI-guidance. The concentration of ECM determined its retention within the cavity or permeation into tissue and hence influenced its interaction with the host brain. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the structure-function relationship of biomaterials to guide particular clinical applications.
Statement of significance
Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel promotes constructive tissue remodeling in many tissues. Minimally invasive delivery of such scaffold materials to the central nervous system (CNS) would require an injectable form that exists in fluid phase at room temperature, while forming hydrogels at body temperature in a concentration-dependent fashion. We here report the rheological characterization of an injectable ECM hydrogel and its concentration-dependent delivery into a lesion cavity formed after a stroke based on MRI-guidance. The concentration of ECM determined its retention within the cavity or permeation into tissue and hence influenced its interaction with the host brain. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the structure-function relationship of biomaterials to guide particular clinical applications.