‘Brain Glue’ Helps Repair Traumatic Brain Injury, Says Study

Science News: Researchers at the University of Georgia demonstrated the long-term benefits of hydrogel or brain glue for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The gel protects against loss of brain tissue after severe injury and helps in functional neural repair.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who survive the injury have to face tremendous physical, mental, and financial issues. But, the new research provides new hope for severe victims of brain injury.

Findings from the new research published in Sciences Advances, showed visual and functional evidence of the repair of the damaged brain region in brain glue-implanted animals (while performing specific reach-and-grasp tasks) following severe TBI. The animals showed quicker recovery time compared to subjects without brain-glue implants.

The brain glue was designed to contain key structures that bind to basic fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, two protective protein factors that support the survival and regrowth of brain cells after severe TBI. Basically, the reparative hydrogel mimics the structure and function of the meshwork of sugars that support brain cells.

For More Information, You May Refer To:

University of Georgia. (2021, April 6). ‘Brain glue’ helps repair circuitry in severe TBI: Reparative hydrogel mimics the composition and mechanics of the brain. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 13, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210406131934.htm