Composite Fibrin/Carbon Microfiber Implants for Bridging Spinal Cord Injury: A Translational Approach in Pigs

This study explores using biomaterials to help repair spinal cord injuries (SCI). Specifically, it tests a combination of fibrin gel and biofunctionalized carbon microfibers (MFs) in a pig model of SCI. Fourteen pigs were divided into three groups: SCI only, SCI with myelotomy (surgical incision), and SCI with myelotomy plus the fibrin/MFs implant. The goal was to see if the implant could help bridge the gap in the injured spinal cord and promote nerve regeneration. While the implant did facilitate axonal sprouting and alignment within the lesion, it also increased the lesion volume and did not prevent fibrosis (scarring). This suggests that the approach requires further refinement and additional treatments to limit scarring and achieve functional neural regeneration.

• 1
  Myelotomy and lesion debridement alone did not cause further neural damage compared to SCI alone, but had little positive effect on neural regrowth.
• 2
  The MFs/fibrin gel implant facilitated axonal sprouting, elongation, and alignment within the lesion.
• 3
  The implant also increased lesion volume and was ineffective in preventing fibrosis, thus precluding functional neural regeneration.