A reactive oxygen species-responsive hydrogel encapsulated with bone marrow derived stem cells promotes repair and regeneration of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to inflammation and neuron damage. This study introduces a hydrogel that scavenges harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contains bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). The hydrogel helps to reduce inflammation, protect neurons, and promote the regeneration of nerve fibers (axons). The results suggest this approach could be useful for treating SCI and other central nervous system diseases.

• 1
  The ROS-scavenging hydrogel effectively encapsulated BMSCs and reduced the production of endogenous ROS in vivo.
• 2
  The hydrogel attenuated ROS-mediated oxidative damage and downregulated inflammatory cytokines, resulting in reduced cell apoptosis in spinal cord tissue.
• 3
  The BMSCs-encapsulated ROS-scavenging hydrogel enhanced motor functional recovery of SCI rats by reducing scar formation and improving neurogenesis.