3D bio-printed living nerve-like fibers refine the ecological niche for long-distance spinal cord injury regeneration

Bioactive Materials, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.023 · Published: January 29, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This research explores using 3D bioprinting to create nerve-like fibers containing neural stem cells (NSCs) for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. These fibers mimic the natural nerve structure and environment, aiming to support nerve regeneration. The study found that these living nerve-like fibers could improve the injury site's environment by modulating the immune system, promoting blood vessel formation, and encouraging the growth of new nerve cells. The results showed enhanced functional recovery in rats with SCI, suggesting a new approach for SCI therapies using biomimetic living constructs.

Study Duration

12 Weeks

Participants

72 female SD rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Living nerve-like fibers modulate the immune microenvironment after SCI by decreasing the number of active macrophages and increasing the ratio of M2 macrophages.
2
The 3D printed scaffolds optimized the niche of nascent neurons by reducing inhibitory chemical barriers and rebuilding the vascular system.
3
Transplantation of living nerve-like fibers promoted axon regeneration and remyelination in the injured spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study presents a strategy for SCI repair using 3D bioprinting to fabricate living microtissues comprised of NSCs and ECM-like hydrogel, arranged spatially to mimic native nerve fibers. The implanted living nerve-like fibers demonstrated accelerated neural circuit rebuilding and enhanced functional recovery in a rat SCI model. The living nerve-like fibers exhibited immunoregulatory function and optimized the niche for nascent neurons, contributing to nerve regeneration and remyelination.

Practical Implications

SCI Therapies

The biomimetic living constructs open a new perspective on SCI therapies.

Clinical Applications

3D printed living nerve-like fibers provide new reliable routes for SCI repair, contributing to follow-up clinical applications.

Niche Reconstruction

Specifically functionalized artificial spinal cord-like biomaterials could precisely regulate multiple aspects of stem cell behavior and reconstruct the niche more efficiently.

Study Limitations

1
Long-term outcomes of exogenous NSCs in vivo need further addressing
2
How the living microtissue refines the ecologic niche after SCI needs to be further addressed
3
Complexity of the SCI microenvironment makes precise regulation of stem cell behavior challenging

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