Biomaterial-based strategies: a new era in spinal cord injury treatment

Neural Regen Res, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-24-00844 · Published: December 1, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Biomedical Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts nerve fibers and blood vessels, leading to loss of function. Traditional treatments have limitations and side effects. Emerging strategies use biomaterials, nanoparticles, and stem cells to promote regeneration and functional recovery. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds provide structural support, mimic spinal cord tissue, and facilitate axon growth. Three-dimensional bioprinting enhances the potential of biomaterials for SCI treatment. Nanoparticle-based systems deliver drugs and genes directly to the injury site, improving treatment effectiveness. Tissue engineering combines scaffolds with stem cells and growth factors to repair damaged tissues and minimize glial scars.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
Nanoparticles can modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and promote neuronal survival after SCI.
2
Biomaterial scaffolds provide a supportive microenvironment for neural regeneration, guiding axon growth and promoting tissue repair.
3
Stem cells combined with biomaterial scaffolds can differentiate into nerve cells, release beneficial factors, and enhance functional recovery.

Research Summary

This review elucidates the key mechanisms underlying the occurrence of spinal cord injury and regeneration post-injury, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, axon regeneration, and angiogenesis. This review also briefly discusses the critical role of nanodelivery systems used for repair and regeneration of injured spinal cord, highlighting the influence of nanoparticles and the factors that affect delivery efficiency. Finally, this review highlights tissue engineering strategies and the application of biomaterial scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Targeted Drug Delivery

Nanodelivery systems can improve drug bioavailability and reduce side effects by delivering therapeutics directly to the injury site.

Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

Biomaterial scaffolds combined with stem cells and growth factors can promote tissue repair and functional recovery after SCI.

Personalized Treatment

3D bioprinting allows for the creation of customized scaffolds that can adapt to the specific needs of each patient.

Study Limitations

1
Limited inherent regenerative ability of the nervous system.
2
Difficulties in clinical translation due to differences between animal models and human physiology.
3
Challenges in achieving optimal mechanical strength and biocompatibility in biomaterial scaffolds.

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