Design and synthesis of nano-biomaterials based on graphene and local delivery of cerebrolysin into the injured spinal cord of mice, promising neural restoration

Nanoscale Advances, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d3na00760j · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are devastating, with limited clinical solutions. This research explores graphene oxide (GO)-based nanomaterials to address inflammation and promote nerve regrowth in SCI. The GO plates were modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to improve biocompatibility, biodegradability, cell proliferation, and to act as neuroprotective and antibacterial agents. The intraspinal delivery of cerebrolysin (CRL) had a more satisfying impact on nerve regrowth, cystic cavity, hemorrhage avoidance, and motor function enhancement compared to the nanocomposite mixture alone.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

BALB/c mice (25–30 g), 3 males + 1 female, n = 12 per group

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Graphene-based nanocarriers did not show cell toxicity and enhanced bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) proliferation by approximately 10% after 48 hours.
2
The pathological and immunohistochemical data indicated tissue cavity refilling, decreased degeneration, and established neuroregeneration, resulting in improved hind limb motor function.
3
The intraspinal delivery of cerebrolysin (CRL) had a more satisfying impact on nerve regrowth, cystic cavity, hemorrhage avoidance, and motor function enhancement compared to the nanocomposite mixture alone.

Research Summary

This study designs and introduces a new GO-based nanomaterial to minimize inﬂammation and stimulate neurite regrowth. Preliminary biological investigations on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with various concentrations of a graphenic nanocarrier indicated a lack of cell toxicity and an enhancement in BM-MSC proliferation of about 10% after 48 hours. This study demonstrates the potential of graphenic nanomaterials for SCI treatment and neuroregeneration applications.

Practical Implications

SCI Treatment

Graphene-based nanomaterials show potential as a neuro-stimulator and drug carrier for SCI treatment.

Neuroregeneration

The use of PEG and AuNPs to modify GO surfaces can improve treatment quality and reduce regeneration time.

Drug Delivery

Local delivery of CRL with graphenic nanomaterials enhances nerve regrowth, reduces cystic cavities and hemorrhage, and improves motor function.

Study Limitations

1
Further studies will be performed in the chronic phase (over a longer period of time) in the mouse model.
2
Electrical stimulation of these materials, combined with cells and growth factors, needs to be explored further.
3
Not specified

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury