Functional rewiring across spinal injuries via biomimetic nanofiber scaffolds

PNAS, 2020 · DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005708117 · Published: September 30, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study introduces an artificial carbon-nanotube based scaffold that, once implanted in SCI rats, improves motor function recovery. Confocal microscopy analysis plus fiber tracking by magnetic resonance imaging and neurotracer labeling of long-distance corticospinal axons suggest that recovery might be partly attributable to successful crossing of the lesion site by regenerating fibers. Since manipulating SCI microenvironment properties, such as mechanical and electrical ones, may promote biological responses, we propose this artificial scaffold as a prototype to exploit the physics governing spinal regenerative plasticity.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

Adult Wistar rats (n=58)

Evidence Level

Level 2; Animal Study

Key Findings

1
CNF implants showed long-term bio-integration with limited tissue reactivity, invasion of neuronal fibers and blood vessels within the implant.
2
MRI DTI reconstructions of the entire spinal cord, by in vivo neurotracing, and by the ex vivo observation of glutamate and serotonin-positive axons showed ability of CNF to guide axonal tracts regeneration across the SCI lesion.
3
CNF promoted a significant recovery in locomotor and sensory-motor behavior also in subchronic and chronic SCI animals.

Research Summary

The study introduces an artificial carbon-nanotube based scaffold that, once implanted in SCI rats, improves motor function recovery. Confocal microscopy, MRI, and neurotracer labeling suggest that the recovery might be partly attributable to successful crossing of the lesion site by regenerating fibers. The researchers propose this artificial scaffold as a prototype to exploit the physics governing spinal regenerative plasticity, since manipulating SCI microenvironment properties may promote biological responses.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

CNF scaffolds may represent a promising therapeutic approach for promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Biomaterial Design

The study highlights the importance of considering the physical properties of biomaterials, such as mechanical and electrical characteristics, in the design of regenerative interfaces for neural tissue repair.

Clinical Translation

Further research is warranted to optimize CNF scaffolds and evaluate their efficacy and safety in preclinical and clinical studies for spinal cord injury treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model of spinal cord injury, and the results may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The long-term effects of CNF implantation on spinal cord tissue and function require further investigation.
3
The mechanisms underlying the observed axonal regeneration and functional recovery need to be further elucidated.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury