Functional biomaterials for modulating the dysfunctional pathological microenvironment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to permanent loss of movement and sensation, and current treatments are mostly ineffective. A significant obstacle in SCI treatment is the development of a harmful environment at the injury site. This environment includes excessive inflammation, buildup of inhibitory molecules, lack of supportive factors, and scar formation. To address this, using functional biomaterials at the injury site is being explored as a possible way to change the harmful environment. These materials could support nerve regeneration, repair nerve insulation, and improve overall recovery after SCI. This review discusses the characteristics of this harmful environment and recent progress in biomaterials and technologies used to adjust the inflammatory environment, control inhibitory molecules, and reshape blood vessel regrowth. It also covers the limitations, challenges, and future possibilities of using functional biomaterials to effectively repair SCI.

• 1
  Dysfunctional pathological microenvironment in SCI comprises excessive inflammation, deposition of inhibitory molecules, neurotrophic factor deprivation, glial scar formation, and imbalance of vascular function.
• 2
  Functional biomaterials can modulate the SCI microenvironment by altering the inflammatory response, regulating inhibitory biomolecules, and reshaping revascularization.
• 3
  Advanced technologies such as decellularized tissue matrices, stem cell-derived EVs, and 3D spinal cord-like tissue transplantation show promise in regulating the SCI microenvironment.