Basic fibroblast growth factor‐loaded methacrylate gelatin hydrogel microspheres for spinal nerve regeneration

The study introduces a new method for delivering drugs to help repair spinal cord injuries. It uses tiny spheres made of a special gel (GelMA) that can hold and slowly release a growth factor (bFGF). These spheres are designed to be injected into the injured area of the spinal cord to promote nerve regeneration. The small size of the hydrogel microspheres allows them to be injected and inhaled through small needles and catheters, facilitating minimally invasive delivery of cells and biologicals. The microspheres' porous structure allows them to control the release of biological agents for long‐term therapeutic effects. The level of the porosity is related to the size and packing density of hydrogel microspheres, which can regulate the proliferation and migration of supporting cells and effectively control the release of biological agents for long‐term therapeutic effects.

• 1
  bFGF-loaded GelMA microspheres significantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro.
• 2
  The microspheres enhanced nerve regeneration and motor function recovery in a rat model of spinal cord injury. the bFGF‐loaded microspheres were implanted into the spinal cord injury site of a rat model, finally enhancing nerve regeneration and effectively recovering the hind limb motor function.
• 3
  The bFGF-GelMA groups had clearly restrained glial scar formation after SCI, which is important for nerve tissue regeneration.