Thermo-sensitive hydrogels combined with decellularised matrix deliver bFGF for the functional recovery of rats after a spinal cord injury

This study addresses the limitations of bFGF administration for spinal cord injury by using an acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASC) encapsulated in a thermo-sensitive hydrogel. The ASC helps bFGF bind and remain stable, while the hydrogel controls its release. The bFGF-ASC-HP hydrogel promoted the proliferation of PC12 cells more effectively than a bFGF solution, showing a significant increase in cell survival rate. In SCI model rats, the hydrogel significantly improved functional recovery by enhancing nerve axon regeneration and neural stem cell differentiation, suggesting it is a promising delivery system for bFGF to treat injured spinal cords.

• 1
  The ASC scaffold has a strong affinity for bFGF, enhancing its stability and controlled release.
• 2
  The bFGF-ASC-HP hydrogel exhibits sustained release of bFGF compared to bFGF solution or bFGF-HP hydrogel.
• 3
  Treatment with bFGF-ASC-HP hydrogel leads to enhanced locomotor function recovery in SCI rats, as indicated by improved BBB scores and footprint analysis.