Is Graphene Shortening the Path toward Spinal Cord Regeneration?

ACS Nano, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c04756 · Published: August 24, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the potential of graphene-based materials (GBMs) in treating spinal cord injuries (SCI). It covers the characteristics of SCI, ongoing clinical trials, and how GBMs can contribute to neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies. GBMs can promote neural stem cell survival and differentiation, reshape the spinal cord's architecture, and deliver biomolecules to counteract the inhibitory SCI microenvironment. The review highlights the importance of GBMs in modulating neural cells, delivering therapeutic biomolecules, impacting neuromodulation and robotics, and scaffolding-based neuroregenerative approaches.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
GBMs can promote neural stem cells (NSCs) survival and differentiation.
2
3D graphene-based scaffolds can reshape the spinal cord architecture and bridge the injury site.
3
Hydrophilic GO can counterbalance the inhibitory SCI microenvironment with accurate biomolecule delivery.

Research Summary

This review provides an overview of spinal cord injury (SCI) characteristics and pathophysiology, discusses ongoing clinical trials targeting SCI, and introduces the role of graphene-based materials (GBMs) in enhancing neural recovery. The review critically contextualizes the current role of GBMs in restoring the spinal cord microenvironment after injury and proposes future concepts for graphene-based technologies to reach clinical significance for SCI. The review highlights the singularities that GBMs offer for forthcoming spinal cord therapeutics, pointing out current clinical challenges and perspectives for future approaches.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Neuroprotection

GBMs can deliver drugs and biomolecules to protect neurons from damage after SCI.

Improved Neuroregeneration

GBMs can promote the growth and reconnection of damaged neural pathways.

Advanced Neuromodulation

Graphene-based electrodes can enhance the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapies.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of clinical trials addressing GBM efficacy/safety in SCI therapeutics.
2
Challenges in translating preclinical animal model successes to humans.
3
Need for more uniform in vitro and in vivo experiments to facilitate clinical translation.

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