Architecture-Engineered Electrospinning Cascade Regulates Spinal Microenvironment to Promote Nerve Regeneration

Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202658 · Published: January 27, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a new composite fiber designed to improve nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). This fiber combines a hydrogel system with electrospinning technology. The hydrogel part of the fiber helps reduce inflammation by promoting a specific type of immune cell (M2 macrophages), which is crucial for creating a healing environment. Additionally, the fiber releases factors that attract and help neural stem cells (NSCs) to develop into nerve cells, further aiding in the recovery process.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

SD male rats (200–250 g)

Evidence Level

Animal Model Study

Key Findings

1
The composite fiber, MS@G/S, significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the material, enhancing the integrin receptor expression on macrophage surfaces.
2
MS@G/S polarized macrophages to the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, reducing the local inflammatory response in the SCI microenvironment.
3
The controlled release of SDF-1𝛼 and BDNF from MS@G/S recruited endogenous NSCs and promoted their differentiation into neurons, leading to improved nerve function recovery in a rat SCI model.

Research Summary

This study engineered a composite fiber with immunomodulatory and nerve repair functions for SCI treatment. The fiber's structure includes GelMA hydrogel for hydrophilicity and controlled SDF-1𝛼 release, promoting macrophage polarization toward M2 and blood vessel germination. The core–shell structure of the electrospun fiber continuously released BDNF, enhancing neuronal differentiation of NSCs and neural function recovery. The MS@G/S composite fiber was tested in an SCI rat model, demonstrating improved motor function recovery. The composite fibers offer a novel anti-inflammatory and repair treatment approach for SCI by improving the local inflammatory response and promoting nerve regeneration through a hydrophilic programmed cytokine-delivery system.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

The composite fiber design can be further explored for developing new treatments for spinal cord injuries.

Immunomodulatory Strategies

The approach of modulating the immune response via biomaterials can be applied to other inflammatory conditions.

Drug Delivery Systems

The controlled release system for SDF-1𝛼 and BDNF offers a template for delivering multiple growth factors in a sequential manner for tissue regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The long-term effects of the composite fiber implant were not fully evaluated beyond 8 weeks.
3
The specific mechanisms of GelMA's immunomodulatory effects require further investigation.

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