Role and prospects of regenerative biomaterials in the repair of spinal cord injury

Neural Regen Res, 2019 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.253512 · Published: August 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses significant challenges due to axonal damage and an environment that hinders tissue regeneration and neuronal function. Regenerative biomaterials offer potential solutions by filling cavities, delivering drugs, and providing attachment sites for cells at the injury site. These biomaterials can also reduce apoptosis, inflammation, and glial scar formation, while promoting neurogenesis, axonal growth, and angiogenesis. The review summarizes various biomaterial scaffolds composed of natural, synthetic, and combined materials used for SCI repair. Despite the therapeutic effects shown by these scaffolds, challenges remain in product standards, material safety, and effectiveness. The philosophy of developing regenerative biomaterials is to mimic the physiological extracellular matrix of the spinal cord and reconstruct a favorable regenerative niche for SCI repair.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models (rats, mice, canines, non-human primates)

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Natural materials like collagen, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid offer good biocompatibility and biological functionality in SCI repair.
2
Synthetic materials such as poly-ε-caprolactone and poly(lactic acid) provide controllable biodegradability and customized physicochemical properties.
3
Combining natural and synthetic biomaterials can improve the efficacy of SCI repair by enhancing scaffold performance and therapeutic outcomes.

Research Summary

The review discusses the role and prospects of regenerative biomaterials in repairing spinal cord injuries (SCI). It highlights how biomaterials can address axonal junction defects and inhibitory environments post-SCI by filling cavities, delivering drugs, and fostering cell adhesion. Various biomaterial scaffolds made from natural, synthetic, and combined materials are summarized, noting their potential to inhibit apoptosis, reduce inflammation and glial scar formation, and promote neurogenesis, axonal growth, and angiogenesis. Despite progress, the review identifies ongoing challenges, including the need for standardized product criteria, improved material safety and effectiveness, and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in SCI treatment using tissue engineering techniques.

Practical Implications

Development of Novel Scaffolds

Further research should focus on designing and applying novel regenerative biomaterials to enhance the potential of drugs and cells in SCI therapy.

Combinatorial Treatment Strategies

A combined approach using cells, growth factors, and regenerative biomaterials should be applied to attain ideal scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration, maximizing functional recovery.

Clinical Translation

Advances in mechanical engineering, mathematical science, and computer science can play crucial roles in screening optimal biomaterial parameters for clinical translation and improved therapeutic effects.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of uniform international evaluation criteria for scaffold material safety.
2
Incomplete understanding of the detailed mechanisms of SCI treatment by tissue engineering.
3
Uncertainty regarding the most beneficial combination of biomolecules and optimal transplantation timing.

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