ABSTRACT
The regenerative capacity of the adult human central nervous system (CNS) is very limited. In contrast to the peripheral nerves, the inhibitory environment of the CNS hinders axons from regenerating, which is the main reason for permanent paralysis and loss of sensation following injury. Despite intensive research, there is currently no effective therapy for the repair and regeneration of injured CNS tissue. Nanotechnologies that comprise designing materials and devices at the cellular, molecular and atomic levels can provide more precise, targeted and effective approaches in CNS treatment. Increasing attention has focused on the development of novel therapeutic methods and materials that aim to regenerate damaged CNS tissue by using recent advances in drug and gene delivery, cell therapy and tissue engineering.
