Biomaterials, 2024 · DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122400 · Published: March 1, 2024
This research explores a new approach to treating cervical spinal cord injuries by combining a specially designed injectable hydrogel with human stem cell-derived neurons. The hydrogel is designed to mimic the natural environment of cells and can be customized to promote cell adhesion and control the gel's mechanical properties. In laboratory tests, the hydrogel was found to support the survival and growth of the transplanted neurons. When injected into rats with cervical spinal cord injuries, the hydrogel biodegraded without causing adverse reactions, improved the consistency of cell transplantation, and aided the integration of cells into the host tissue. The results showed significant improvement in sensorimotor function in the rats that received the combined therapy, suggesting that this approach could be a promising treatment for cervical spinal cord injuries.
SHIELD hydrogels offer a more reliable method for transplanting sensitive cells like iPSC-derived neurons, potentially increasing the success rate of cell-based therapies for spinal cord injuries.
The modular design of SHIELD allows for tailoring the hydrogel's properties to match specific cell types and injury conditions, enabling more effective and personalized treatment strategies.
The study demonstrates that SHIELD-mediated delivery of iPSC-derived neurons can lead to significant improvements in sensorimotor function after cervical spinal cord injury, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.