Application of fibrin-based hydrogels for nerve protection and regeneration after spinal cord injury

Journal of Biological Engineering, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13036-020-00244-3 · Published: July 27, 2020

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can lead to nerve cell and tissue loss, along with complications like blood loss and inflammation. Fibrin hydrogels, derived from the extracellular matrix, are gaining attention for SCI repair due to their biocompatibility and ability to carry cells and growth factors. This review examines the advantages and disadvantages of fibrin hydrogels from various sources, along with modifications for guiding tissue growth during polymerization. It also assesses their use as carriers for stem cells, cytokines, and drugs to promote nerve repair and regeneration. The focus is on improving cell function before and after delivering cells, cytokines, and drugs, mirroring recent developments and challenges in nerve repair therapy using fibrin hydrogels.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Fibrin hydrogels offer excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and plasticity, making them suitable for neural tissue engineering and SCI repair.
2
Modifying fibrin hydrogels with cells, ECM proteins, and growth factors can promote damage repair in SCIs.
3
The tunable ratio of fibrinogen to thrombin can adjust fibrin hydrogel’s mechanical properties to match human spinal cord tissue’s mechanical properties.

Research Summary

Fibrin hydrogels are promising natural polymers for neural tissue engineering, offering biocompatibility and modifiability for carrying cells and therapeutic factors. Challenges remain in the clinical application of fibrin-based hydrogels, including meeting specific physical, chemical, mechanical, and degradation property requirements, as well as addressing ethical and regulatory issues. Further investigation is needed to understand the interaction of hydrogels with cells and therapeutic agents, as well as to improve the structure and intrinsic potential of hydrogels through cross-linking and modification technologies.

Practical Implications

Improved SCI Treatment

Fibrin hydrogels can serve as a vehicle for delivering therapies, such as stem cells and drugs, directly to the injury site, potentially improving recovery outcomes.

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

Modifying fibrin hydrogels to provide topographical guidance can promote the alignment and elongation of regenerating axons, leading to better nerve regeneration.

Reduced Risk of Complications

Using autologous fibrin hydrogels derived from a patient's own plasma can reduce the risk of viral transmission and immune rejection.

Study Limitations

1
Rapid degradation rate and weak mechanical properties.
2
Ethical, government regulation, development cost, clinician preference.
3
Irregular tissue defects may generate inaccurate implantation of scaffold and inconsonant therapeutic effects on different levels of damage

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