Advances in Conductive Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S436111 · Published: December 6, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Biomedical Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries are difficult to treat, but neural tissue engineering offers a new approach. Functionalized electroconductive hydrogels (ECH) can be implanted to promote axon regeneration and create neuronal circuits. ECHs facilitate electrical signaling between cells and, with electrical stimulation, transmit signals to electroactive tissue, activating bioelectric pathways and promoting neural tissue repair. This article reviews the changes in the SCI microenvironment and discusses how electrical stimulation/signals help repair SCI. It also examines electrical activity during nerve repair and classifies conductive biomaterials.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Glial fibrosis and fluid-filled cysts impede electrical signaling and stimulus conduction in spinal cord tissue, hindering neural regeneration.
2
Electrical stimulation can increase intracellular calcium levels by activating calcium channels to promote more calcium ions into cells.
3
The selection of appropriate manufacturing methods and materials plays a critical role in controlling and manipulating the characteristics of hydrogels.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment remains a significant clinical challenge, but neural tissue engineering offers a promising therapeutic approach through the implantation of functionalized electroconductive hydrogels (ECH). ECHs promote axonal regeneration and facilitate the generation of neuronal circuits by reshaping the microenvironment of SCI, enhancing intercellular electrical signaling, and enabling the transmission of electrical signals to electroactive tissue when combined with electrical stimulation. The review classifies conductive biomaterials and provides an overview of the current applications and research progress of conductive hydrogels in spinal cord repair and regeneration, serving as a reference for future developments in spinal cord regeneration strategies.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Axonal Regeneration

Conductive hydrogels can be designed to promote the regrowth of damaged nerve fibers, potentially restoring lost motor and sensory functions.

Improved Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

The electrical properties of these hydrogels can guide neural stem cells to differentiate into specific types of neurons, aiding in neural circuit reconstruction.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Hydrogels can serve as carriers for delivering drugs and bioactive molecules directly to the injury site, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Study Limitations

1
Ensuring enduring electrical stability of biomaterials as they degrade over time.
2
Challenges in fabricating conductive hydrogels with various combinations of functionalities.
3
The need for more extensive safety assessments for clinical translation, including long-term toxicity studies.

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