Nanostructures to Potentiate Axon Navigation and Regrowth in the Damaged Central Nervous Tissue

Neural interfaces as prosthetic devices are engineered in order to achieve neural recording and stimulation, to promote neural regeneration and to assist therapeutic delivery of bioactive molecules. By tailoring the interface architecture with nanoscale geometries, it is possible to mimic topographical cues able to adapt neuronal growth and redirect neurite navigation to a functional recovery. In this chapter, we present an overview of nano-dimensional strategies focusing on the new generation of artificial implantable scaffolds that can provide potential opportunities in brain and spinal cord healing. We strive to discuss how miniaturization of tools and prostheses at the nanoscale will help exploring the central nervous system (CNS) at subcellular scales to exploit artificial devices adaptation to neuronal biology and functions. Finally, some of the key advancements and hurdles currently emerging in the use of such artificial nanodevices in vitro and in vivo are discussed.