Future prospects of tissue engineering in the treatment of addiction-related brain disorders: From modeling to regeneration

Authors

  • Fateme Kouchakzadeh 1 Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran 2Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
  • Bibi Fatemeh Haghiralsadat 1 Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
  • Fatemeh Sadeghian-Nodoushan
  • Hamideh Babaloo Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22034/JATE.2026.202

Abstract

Addiction is a major global health challenge that affects not only psychological and social well-being but also induces profound biological damage to brain tissues. Chronic exposure to addictive substances results in neuronal loss, dysregulation of dopaminergic signaling, and dysfunction in critical brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens. While conventional pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy can alleviate certain behavioral symptoms, they offer limited capacity to repair underlying neural damage. In this context, tissue engineering, as a key branch of regenerative medicine, has emerged as a promising approach for restoring damaged neural structures. Advanced strategies involving biomaterial scaffolds, stem cells, neurotrophic factors, and three-dimensional bioprinting enable neuronal regeneration and reconstruction of neural networks. Moreover, engineered platforms such as brain organoids and brain-on-a-chip systems provide powerful tools for modeling addiction-related neurobiological mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that neural stem cell transplantation, growth factor–loaded scaffolds (e.g., BDNF and NGF), and controlled electrical stimulation can enhance neuronal survival, promote synaptic remodeling, and reduce addictive behaviors. Early clinical investigations have also reported encouraging outcomes, including improved cognitive function, enhanced impulse control, and reduced relapse rates, although challenges such as limited sample sizes, short follow-up durations, and protocol optimization remain. This review summarizes the biological basis of addiction and key principles of neural tissue engineering, emphasizing their roles in brain modeling and regeneration. Finally, future perspectives, translational challenges, and research directions necessary for clinical application are discussed.

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2026-09-21

How to Cite

Kouchakzadeh, F. ., Haghiralsadat, B. F. ., Sadeghian-Nodoushan, F. ., & Babaloo, H. (2026). Future prospects of tissue engineering in the treatment of addiction-related brain disorders: From modeling to regeneration. The Journal of Applied Tissue Engineering, 12(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.22034/JATE.2026.202

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Review Articels