Effects of Hydrogel-Fiber on Cystic Cavity after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries affect millions worldwide and often lead to permanent impairments with limited effective treatments. This study explores using hydrogels, materials that mimic the environment around cells, to aid spinal cord repair. The continuous emergence of biomaterials provides a new idea for the repair of SCI. Hydrogels alone can be unstable, so this research investigates adding fibers to hydrogels to improve their strength and support for nerve regeneration. Hydrogels can mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), however, the unstable hydrogel shape limits its application. The study found that hydrogels with added fibers reduced the formation of cavities after spinal cord injury in rats and increased the presence of nerve cells. This preliminary result may indicate that PCL fiber optimized the strength of hydrogels, thus providing better support for the axon regeneration.

• 1
  The average cystic cavity area in the SCI group was significantly higher than in the hydrogel and hydrogel + fiber groups. HE staining showed that the average cystic cavity area in the SCI (20.78 ±2.93 mm2) group was significantly higher than that in H group (6.54 ±0.85 mm2), HF group (5.06 ±0.76 mm2) and SHAM group (1.76 ±0.27 mm2) (P < 0.001).
• 2
  There was no significant difference in BBB motor score among the HF group (16.80±1.10), SCI (14.20±1.09) and H group (15.00±1.23). There was no significant difference in BBB motor score among the HF group (16.80±1.10), SCI (14.20±1.09) and H group (15.00±1.23) (P > 0.05), except the sham group.
• 3
  Immunofluorescence showed higher neuronal nuclear (NeuN) positive cells in both the H group and the HF group, indicating more nerve cells in these groups. Immunofluorescence showed higher neuronal nuclear (NeuN) positive cells in both the H group and the HF group.