Nanofibrous Patches for Spinal Cord Regeneration

Adv Funct Mater, 2010 · DOI: 10.1002/adfm.200901889 · Published: May 10, 2010

Simple Explanation

The study focuses on creating a scaffold using nanofibers to guide nerve regeneration and deliver drugs directly to the injured spinal cord. The scaffold is made of two layers: an inner layer with aligned nanofibers to guide axon growth and an outer layer with random nanofibers for support. The drug rolipram, known to enhance nerve activity and reduce inflammation, is attached to the nanofibers to promote healing.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Male adult athymic rats (250 ± 30 g; 8-week old)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Scaffolds with rolipram significantly improved hindlimb function after 3 weeks in rats with spinal cord injury.
2
The scaffolds promoted axon growth and angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) through the scaffold and in the lesion area.
3
The scaffolds decreased the presence of astrocytes and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, which contribute to glial scar formation.

Research Summary

This study developed nanofibrous scaffolds with aligned nanofibers for nerve guidance and drug delivery in spinal cord. The scaffolds with rolipram increased axon growth through the scaffolds and in the lesion, promoted angiogenesis through the scaffold, and decreased the population of astrocytes and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the lesion. Locomotor scale rating analysis showed that the scaffolds with rolipram significantly improved hindlimb function after 3 weeks.

Practical Implications

Drug Delivery Platform

Nanofibrous scaffolds can serve as effective platforms for localized drug delivery in spinal cord injuries.

Axon Guidance

Aligned nanofibers can guide axon regeneration in the injured spinal cord, promoting functional recovery.

Glial Scar Reduction

Rolipram-loaded scaffolds can reduce glial scar formation, creating a more permissive environment for axon growth.

Study Limitations

1
The athymic rats used in this study have T-cell deficiency, and possible immunological responses involving T cells are not included in this animal model.
2
Whether random nanofibrous scaffolds with rolipram could promote functional recovery awaits further study.
3
The mechanisms are not clear and need further investigation.

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