Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microspheres encapsulated in Pluronic F-127 prolong Hirudin delivery and improve functional recovery from a demyelination lesion

The study explores the use of biomaterials to reduce scar formation in the central nervous system after injury. It investigates whether thrombin inhibitors delivered locally can mitigate the negative effects of blood-borne proteins after spinal cord injury. The research focuses on using PLGA microspheres and Pluronic F-127 hydrogels for sustained delivery of thrombin inhibitors like heparin and hirudin.

• 1
  Thrombin increases endogenous neural progenitor proliferation in the intact murine spinal cord.
• 2
  Hirudin-loaded PLGA/F-127 gels reduce macrophage presence at the lesion site compared to control and heparin-treated animals.
• 3
  Hirudin-loaded materials accelerate recovery in coordinated stepping and increase oligodendrocyte densities.