3D Gelatin Microsphere Scaffolds Promote Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Hemisection in Rats

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) disrupt nerve connections, leading to neural dysfunctions. Current treatments often fail to fully restore nerve connections, especially in cases with significant gaps. Biomaterial scaffolds offer a promising alternative by filling these gaps and mimicking the three-dimensional structure of tissues. This study introduces a novel approach using 3D gelatin microsphere (GM) scaffolds, which are created from small gelatin spheres assembled into a porous structure. These scaffolds are biocompatible, biodegradable, and relatively easy to produce, offering a cost-effective solution for SCI treatment. The 3D GM scaffolds effectively bridge injury gaps, promote nerve connections, reduce inflammation, and limit scar tissue formation. This suggests that these scaffolds can facilitate nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI, presenting a new strategy for SCI treatment.

• 1
  3D GM scaffolds demonstrate suitable biocompatibility, biodegradation, and porosity, offering a cost-effective and easily produced solution.
• 2
  The 3D GM scaffolds can effectively bridge injury gaps, establish nerve connections, mitigate inflammatory microenvironments, and reduce glial scar formation.
• 3
  3D GM scaffold implantation promotes the recovery of neurological function after SCI, providing a new and effective strategy for treatment.