University of Georgia researchers develop Brain Glue to treat traumatic brain injuries

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a substance which could one day serve as a treatment for traumatic brain injuries.

It is call Brain Glue.

According to a report by Charlene Betourney on the school’s website, Brain Glue is a hydrogel matrix with a gelatin-like consistency that acts as a scaffolding for transplanted stem cells, which are capable of repairing damaged tissue. With the unique ability to take the shape of the void left in the brain after a severe trauma, Brain Glue will enable a more natural healing environment for stem cells to colonize and regenerate.

Lohitash Karumbaiah, assistant professor in UGA's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, led the research team that designed and created Brain Glue.

According to Betourney’s report, the main difference between Brain Glue and other synthetic hydrogels, according to the research team, is the variety of possibilities to trap neural stem cells, improve integration and reduce the likelihood of rejection.

"It's very common with these invasive injuries that surgeons will actually remove the part of the dead brain leaving behind a cavity or hole," said Karumbaiah in the report. "The question is, then, can you replace that with something like our Brain Glue, loaded up with compounds native to the brain together with a mix of protective agents that can be incorporated for the best therapeutic outcome The cool thing about this chemistry is that you can take our Brain Glue liquid formulation and then very briefly expose it to long-wave UV light and form a hydrogel in any shape you like.”

Every day, 153 people in the U.S. die from injuries that include TBI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who survive a TBI may live with impaired thinking, memory, movement or sensation. TBIs can also lead to personality and emotional changes.

Karumbaiah's work recently attracted a four-year, $1.5 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health.

For more information on the University of Georgia and Brain Glue visit http://news.uga.edu/releases/article/brain-glue/.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 1:05 PM with the headline "University of Georgia researchers develop Brain Glue to treat traumatic brain injuries."