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Exosomes combined with biomaterials in the treatment of spinal cord injury

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1077825 · Published: March 13, 2023

Spinal Cord InjuryRegenerative MedicineBiomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition often leading to sensory and motor dysfunction. Current treatments have limitations. This paper reviews the potential of using exosomes, tiny vesicles secreted by cells, combined with biomaterials to treat SCI. Exosomes have advantages such as small size and low immunogenicity, allowing them to cross the blood-spinal cord barrier. Biomaterial scaffolds can help deliver and fix exosomes to the injury site, improving their survival rate. The review explores different sources of exosomes, various biomaterials, and the progress of combining them for SCI treatment, also noting challenges and future prospects of this therapeutic approach.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
Not specified
Evidence Level
Review

Key Findings

  • 1
    Stem cell-derived exosomes have anti-inflammatory effects and can play a role in SCI treatment.
  • 2
    Combining biomaterial scaffolds and exosomes can improve exosome delivery and survival at the injury site.
  • 3
    Biomaterial scaffolds should have appropriate porosity, permeability, cytocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to sensory and motor dysfunction, with limited treatment options. Cell therapy shows promise but faces challenges. Exosomes, as paracrine factors released by cells, have neuroprotective, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, and can cross the blood-spinal cord barrier. Combining exosomes with biomaterial scaffolds enhances exosome delivery and efficacy in SCI treatment by providing a supportive microenvironment and sustained release.

Practical Implications

Improved Exosome Delivery

Biomaterials enhance exosome retention and controlled release at the injury site.

Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

The combination promotes nerve regeneration, reduces inflammation, and improves motor function recovery.

Clinical Translation Potential

The review highlights the potential for clinical application of exosome-biomaterial combinations in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Lack of standardized exosome isolation and purification methods.
  • 2
    Absence of unified international standards for exosome purification and safety.
  • 3
    Limited number of related studies and uniform standards for graft transplantation timing.

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