A multi-channel collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells for the repair of spinal cord injury

This study explores a new way to help spinal cord injuries heal using a special sponge-like material called a collagen scaffold. This scaffold has tiny tunnels that guide nerve cells to grow in the right direction. The researchers put neural stem cells, which can turn into different types of nerve cells, onto the scaffold. They found that these cells grew well on the scaffold and could turn into nerve cells and support cells. When they put the scaffold with the cells into rats with spinal cord injuries, the rats got better at moving their legs. The scaffold also helped the rats' nerves grow back and didn't cause any bad reactions in their bodies.

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  The collagen scaffold enhances neural stem cell activity and promotes cell extension without affecting cell differentiation in vitro.
• 2
  The collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells improved hindlimb motor function in rats with T8 complete transection spinal cord injury.
• 3
  The collagen scaffold was completely degraded in vivo within 5 weeks of implantation and did not cause notable inflammatory reactions.