Biomaterials for spinal cord repair

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often lead to permanent loss of function because damaged nerve fibers (axons) don't regenerate, preventing the reconnection of neural circuits. Researchers are exploring biomaterials to promote axon regeneration after SCI. Biomaterials can provide structural support and deliver substances that encourage axon growth while preventing growth inhibition. The design of these materials is tailored to meet the unique needs of the injured central nervous system. This review highlights prominent biomaterials, their ideal characteristics, and their potential for repairing and regenerating damaged axons after SCI, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between engineers, scientists, and clinicians.

• 1
  Axonal regeneration is considered an important repair mechanism for the injured spinal cord and materials that have shown most promise to elicit an axonal regeneration response to foster functional restoration after SCI are reviewed.
• 2
  Hydrogels, water-swollen cross-linked polymer networks capable of imitating the mechanical and, to some degree, the architecture of the soft spinal cord tissue, seem to fulfill many of the requirements that could support the repair of damaged nervous tissue.
• 3
  PEG-based hydrogels meet many criteria for spinal cord repair, and when combined with the innate ability to sequester reactive oxygen species, it is reasonable to expect advances in this particular group of in situ gelling materials.