Plant-derived exosomes extracted from Lycium barbarum L. loaded with isoliquiritigenin to promote spinal cord injury repair based on 3D printed bionic scaffold

This research explores a novel approach to spinal cord injury (SCI) repair using plant-derived exosomes (PEs) from Lycium barbarum L. (Goji berry). These PEs, loaded with isoliquiritigenin (ISL), were incorporated into a 3D-printed bionic scaffold. The construct aims to promote neural regeneration and reduce inflammation at the injury site. The ISL@PE exhibited significantly slower release properties than the free ISL. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the ISL@PE-loaded scaffold effectively modulated the inflammatory response, facilitated axon restoration, and improved neurological function in a rat SCI model, presenting a potential new route for SCI therapy and insoluble drug delivery.

• 1
  PEs from L. barbarum L. possess anti-inflammatory and neuronal differentiation promotion capabilities, showing enhanced neural differentiation compared to exosomes from ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs).
• 2
  ISL@PE, when incorporated into a 3D-printed bionic scaffold, modulates the inflammatory response following SCI, facilitates the restoration of damaged axons, and ameliorates neurological function in rats.
• 3
  In vitro, ISL@PE promoted the transition of N9 microglial cells from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type, suggesting a mechanism for inflammation reduction.