A bioactive injectable self-healing anti-inflammatory hydrogel with ultralong extracellular vesicles release synergistically enhances motor functional recovery of spinal cord injury

Bioactive Materials, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.01.029 · Published: January 24, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study addresses the challenge of repairing spinal cord injuries (SCI) and restoring motor function, focusing on the inflammatory microenvironment that hinders recovery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived extracellular vesicles are used to mimic cell paracrine secretions, providing a potential strategy for microenvironment regulation. An injectable hydrogel (FE@EVs) was created to encapsulate and release extracellular vesicles at the injury site, promoting tissue repair by reducing inflammation, scar formation, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Study Duration

56 Days

Participants

63 female rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The FE@EVs hydrogel effectively encapsulates and releases extracellular vesicles in the injured spinal cord, facilitating efficient integrated regulation.
2
The hydrogel suppresses fibrotic scar formation, reduces inflammatory reaction, and promotes remyelination and axonal regeneration in the injured area.
3
The study demonstrates the potential of combining extracellular vesicles with bioactive multifunctional hydrogels for achieving satisfactory locomotor recovery in central nervous system diseases.

Research Summary

The study introduces a novel therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury (SCI) using a bioactive, injectable, self-healing, and anti-inflammatory hydrogel (FE@EVs) designed for the sustained release of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. FE@EVs hydrogel enhances spinal cord repair by promoting tissue preservation and controlled release of extracellular vesicles for up to 56 days, facilitating microenvironment modulation through fibrotic scar suppression, inflammatory reaction reduction, remyelination, and axonal regeneration. The study concludes that FE@EVs hydrogel offers a promising extracellular vesicle-based delivery strategy for efficient and biocompatible SCI treatment, marking a significant advancement in therapeutic interventions for spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Delivery System

FE@EVs hydrogel can serve as a therapeutic delivery system for treating spinal cord injuries, offering a sustained release mechanism.

Promotion of Tissue Repair

The hydrogel can enhance tissue repair and motor functional restoration after SCI by promoting preservation and controlled release of extracellular vesicles.

Clinical Applications

The findings may translate to clinical applications for treating patients suffering from SCI using this extracellular vesicle-based delivery strategy.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to rat models; efficacy in humans needs investigation.
2
Long-term effects of the hydrogel and extracellular vesicles are not fully understood.
3
The specific mechanisms of action of the released extracellular vesicles require further elucidation.

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