Cooperative assembly of a designer peptide and silk fibroin into hybrid nanofiber gels for neural regeneration after spinal cord injury

Researchers created a hydrogel using a small, functional self-assembling peptide (F-SAP) and a large silk fibroin (SF) to help with nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). The hydrogel's structure, made of interwoven nanofibers, mimics the natural environment around cells, promoting axon regrowth, reducing inflammation, and aiding in the recovery of nerve insulation (myelination). This new hydrogel shows promise as a long-term support structure (stent) for treating spinal cord injuries by creating a supportive environment for nerve repair.

• 1
  The F-SAP/SF hybrid hydrogel coupled with controlled release of NT-3 provided a permissive environment for neural regeneration.
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  The hydrogel promoted axonal regeneration, inflammatory modulation and remyelination, resulting in improved locomotion and electrophysiological properties.
• 3
  The interactions between F-SAP and SF resulted in dense nanofibrous network.