Three-dimensional printing of microfiber- reinforced hydrogel loaded with oxymatrine for treating spinal cord injury

International Journal of Bioprinting, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.18063/ijb.692 · Published: February 22, 2023

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to neural tissue damage and loss of motor and sensory functions. Current treatments have limitations, prompting the exploration of advanced tissue engineering scaffolds. This study created a 3D-printed scaffold using spinal cord extracellular matrix hydrogel reinforced with microfibers and loaded with oxymatrine (OMT). This scaffold was designed to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Results showed the OMT-loaded scaffolds encouraged neural stem cells to become neurons, reduced scar tissue formation, and improved motor function recovery in rats with SCI, suggesting a promising new approach for SCI treatment.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

40 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The composite scaffolds loaded with OMT promoted the differentiation of NSCs into neurons and inhibited differentiation into astrocytes, suggesting a favorable environment for nerve regeneration.
2
In vivo results demonstrated that the OMT-loaded composite scaffolds recruited NSCs, promoted neuronal differentiation and axon extension, and inhibited glial scar formation at the lesion site.
3
The transplantation of the OMT-loaded scaffolds significantly improved the motor function of rats with SCI, highlighting their potential for clinical treatment.

Research Summary

This study fabricated microfiber-reinforced spinal cord ECM hydrogel-based scaffolds loaded with OMT using 3D printing, verifying their biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical properties in vitro. The composite scaffolds promoted NSC differentiation into neurons, inhibited astrocyte differentiation, provided a suitable microenvironment for spinal cord tissue regeneration in vivo, and guided directional axon growth. OMT further enhanced nerve regeneration, reduced glial scar formation, and significantly improved motor function in rats with SCI, suggesting a promising clinical treatment for SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Delivery System

The 3D-printed microfiber-reinforced hydrogel scaffold provides a novel drug delivery system for sustained release of OMT to the injury site.

Clinical Treatment Potential

The study suggests a simple way to fabricate advanced materials with the required composition, desirable topographical cues, and excellent therapeutic capability for the clinical treatment of SCI.

Regenerative Medicine Advance

The research contributes to the advancement of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches for spinal cord injury repair.

Study Limitations

1
The study used ECM of the spinal cord in rats due to the difficulty in obtaining human spinal cord ECM.
2
Further research is needed to explore other tissues or organs that can replace the ECM of the spinal cord.
3
The study speculates on the involvement of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which requires further investigation.

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