Injectable Hydrogel Loaded with CDs and FTY720 Combined with Neural Stem Cells for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to permanent motor impairments due to damage and the formation of cystic cavities that hinder nerve regeneration. This study explores a new treatment using a hydrogel combined with carbon dots (CDs), FTY720, and neural stem cells (NSCs) to promote healing. The hydrogel, loaded with CDs and FTY720, is designed to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress at the injury site, creating a better environment for nerve regeneration. It also supports the survival and differentiation of NSCs, which can help rebuild damaged neural pathways. In rat models of SCI, the combined treatment showed promising results, including improved motor function recovery, reduced cavity size, and increased nerve regeneration. This suggests that the approach could be a potential therapeutic alternative for SCI patients.

• 1
  The FTY720-CDs@GelMA hydrogel significantly enhanced NSC proliferation while promoting neuronal regeneration and synaptic formation, thereby reducing cavity area in the injured spinal cord.
• 2
  The hydrogel effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) both in vitro and in vivo, reducing oxidative stress and creating a more favorable environment for neural regeneration.
• 3
  Combining the FTY720-CDs@GelMA hydrogel with NSCs significantly improved motor function recovery in rats after spinal cord injury, demonstrating a synergistic therapeutic effect.