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Zhu S, Diao S, Liu X, Zhang Z, Liu F, Chen W, Lu X, Luo H, Cheng X, Liao Q, Li Z, Chen J. Biomaterial-based strategies: a new era in spinal cord injury treatment. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3476-3500. [PMID: 40095657 PMCID: PMC11974648 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Enhancing neurological recovery and improving the prognosis of spinal cord injury have gained research attention recently. Spinal cord injury is associated with a complex molecular and cellular microenvironment. This complexity has prompted researchers to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and changes and to identify effective treatment strategies. Traditional approaches for spinal cord injury repair include surgery, oral or intravenous medications, and administration of neurotrophic factors; however, the efficacy of these approaches remains inconclusive, and serious adverse reactions continue to be a concern. With advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, emerging strategies for spinal cord injury repair now involve nanoparticle-based nanodelivery systems, scaffolds, and functional recovery techniques that incorporate biomaterials, bioengineering, stem cell, and growth factors as well as three-dimensional bioprinting. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds should not only provide structural support for neuron migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation but also mimic the mechanical properties of natural spinal cord tissue. Additionally, these scaffolds should facilitate axon growth and neurogenesis by offering adjustable topography and a range of physical and biochemical cues. The three-dimensionally interconnected porous structure and appropriate physicochemical properties enabled by three-dimensional biomimetic printing technology can maximize the potential of biomaterials used for treating spinal cord injury. Therefore, correct selection and application of scaffolds, coupled with successful clinical translation, represent promising clinical objectives to enhance the treatment efficacy for and prognosis of spinal cord injury. 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. It discusses various types of scaffolds, their integrations with stem cells or growth factors, and approaches for optimization of scaffold design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sijun Diao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhujun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fujun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiyue Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huiyang Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Gao Y, Wang K, Wu Y, Wu S, Ma P, Zhang J, Li J, Shen G, Men K. Controlled release of MIF siRNA and GDNF protein from a photocurable scaffold efficiently repairs spinal cord injury. MedComm (Beijing) 2025; 6:e70099. [PMID: 39968499 PMCID: PMC11831192 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.70099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 12/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Compared with traditional treatment strategies, siRNA-based gene therapy combines with protein therapy to offer a new strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI). The siRNA and protein therapy are limited by the large and deep lesion site and local co-delivery vectors. However, the photocurable scaffold has the properties of injectable, flexible, and biodegradable, which provide a potential formulation for siRNA and protein combined therapy. Here, a photocurable lipid nanoparticle gel (PLNG) scaffold is designed for efficiently sustained and controlled release of the macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) targeted siRNA and co-delivery of GDNF protein for SCI. The GDNF is chemically modified in the scaffold and the prepared GDNF-PLNG/siRNA scaffold is injectable with easily photocured. This formulation can inhibit inflammation by promoting macrophage M2 polarization and effectively promote primary neuron axon growth. After locally administered with GDNF-PLNG/siMIF scaffold to SCI mice, the scaffold promoted neuron regeneration by upregulation of neuron cytokine production and inhibited inflammation through the downregulation immune pathway. With the interaction mechanism of GDNF and MIF siRNA, GDNF-PLNG/siMIF scaffold increases the collagen and integrin expression to promote spinal cord repairing and significantly improve motor function, so that scaffold is a potential candidate gene formulation applied to clinical SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Kaiyu Wang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Pingchuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Head and Neck OncologyWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Jingmei Li
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Guobo Shen
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ke Men
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
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Ríos C, Salgado-Ceballos H, Grijalva I, Morales-Guadarrama A, Diaz-Ruiz A, Olayo R, Morales-Corona J, Olayo MG, Cruz GJ, Mondragón-Lozano R, Alvarez-Mejia L, Orozco-Barrios C, Sánchez-Torres S, Fabela-Sánchez O, Coyoy-Salgado A, Hernández-Godínez B, Ibáñez-Contreras A, Mendez-Armenta M. Demonstration of therapeutic effect of plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine biopolymer in rhesus monkey with complete spinal cord section. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2025; 36:21. [PMID: 39961937 PMCID: PMC11832569 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-025-06862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause paralysis, and although multiple therapeutic proposals have been developed in murine models, results have hardly been replicated in humans. As non-human primates (NHP) are more similar to humans than rodents, the current study investigated whether it was possible to reproduce in a NHP, the previously obtained beneficial results by using a plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I) biopolymer, which reduce glial scar formation and inflammatory response and promotes nerve tissue preservation, regenerative processes and functional recovery in rats. In NHPs (Rhesus monkey) with SCI by complete transection (SCT) and with plasma-synthesized PPy/I application (experimental) or without (control), the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood, preservation of nervous tissue through magnetic resonance imaging and histological and morphometric techniques, regeneration through immunohistochemistry study and functional recovery through clinical examination, were evaluated. Control NHP showed a markedly increased of pro-inflammatory cytokines vs. experimental NHP, which preserved more nerve tissue. At the end of the follow-up, a thinner glial scar in the injured spinal cord was observed in the experimental NHP as well as regenerative nerve processes (NeuN and β-III tubulin expression), while control NHP had a marked glial scar, large cysts and less nerve tissue at the injured zone. Plasma-synthesized PPy/I also reduced the loss of pelvic limb muscle mass and allowed the experimental NHP recovered knee-jerk, withdrawal and plantar reflexes as well as movement in the hind limbs. Since most of the beneficial effects of plasma-synthesized PPy/I previously reported in rats were also observed in the NHP, these preliminary findings make their replication in humans with SCI more likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Ríos
- Research Direction, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, México City, México
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, México.
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Israel Grijalva
- Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, México
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Axayacatl Morales-Guadarrama
- National Center for Research in Imaging and Medical Instrumentation, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
- Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Araceli Diaz-Ruiz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Olayo
- Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Morales-Corona
- Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María G Olayo
- Department of Physics, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Guillermo J Cruz
- Department of Physics, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- CONAHCyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Alvarez-Mejia
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Department of Physics, CONAHCyT-Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Orozco-Barrios
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- CONAHCyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stephanie Sánchez-Torres
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- CONAHCyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Omar Fabela-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry Macromolecules and Nanomaterials, CONAHCyT-Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Angélica Coyoy-Salgado
- Research Center of Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- CONAHCyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Marisela Mendez-Armenta
- Department of Neurochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
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Liao Z, Bao Q, Saijilahu, Chimedtseren C, Tumurbaatar K, Saijilafu. Research Progress on Biomaterials for Spinal Cord Repair. Int J Nanomedicine 2025; 20:1773-1787. [PMID: 39958319 PMCID: PMC11829652 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s501121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a very destructive disease of the central nervous system that often causes irreversible nerve damage. Unfortunately, the adult mammalian spinal cord displays little regenerative capacity after injury. In addition, the glial scars and inflammatory responses around the lesion site are another major obstacle for successful axon regeneration after SCI. However, biomaterials are highly biocompatible, and they could provide physical guidance to allow regenerating axon growth over the lesion site and restore functional neural circuits. In addition, combined or synergistic effects of spinal cord repair can be achieved by integrating different strategies, including the use of various biomaterials and microstructures, as well as combining bioactive molecules and living cells. Therefore, it is possible to use tissue engineering scaffolds to regulate the local microenvironment of the injured spinal cord, which may achieve better functional recovery in spinal cord injury repair. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in the treatment of SCI by biomaterials, and discussed its potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglie Liao
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianyi Bao
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Saijilahu
- Tongliao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | | | - Khaliunaa Tumurbaatar
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia
| | - Saijilafu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Olaya AMS, Almeida FM, Martinez AMB, Marques SA. Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:343-353. [PMID: 38819038 PMCID: PMC11317961 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, which almost always produces permanent physical disability. Thus, in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years, which are not entirely efficient, researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach, seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury. Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and, consequently, boosting functional recovery. Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents, there is increasing recognition of the importance, and need, of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans. This article is a literature review from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scielo, Redalyc, Cochrane, and NCBI) from 10 years ago to date, using keywords (spinal cord injury, cell therapy, non-human primates, humans, and bioengineering in spinal cord injury). From 110 retrieved articles, after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Thus, this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans, aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milena Silva Olaya
- PhD Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Blanco Martinez
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suelen Adriani Marques
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy (PPGAP/UFRJ), Department of Neurobiology/Institute of Biology, Campus do Gragoatá, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pai V, Singh BN, Singh AK. Insights into Advances and Applications of Biomaterials for Nerve Tissue Injuries and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2400150. [PMID: 39348168 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of nerve tissue injuries, such as peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), is continuously increasing because of stress, physical and chemical trauma, and the aging population worldwide. Restoration of the damaged nervous system is challenging because of its structural and functional complexity and limited regenerative ability. Additionally, there is no cure available for NDs except for medications that provide symptomatic relief. Stem cells offer an alternative approach for promoting damage repair, but their efficacy is limited by a compromised survival rate and neurogenesis process. To address these challenges, neural tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy in which stem cells are seeded or encapsulated within a suitable biomaterial construct, increasing cell survival and neurogenesis. Numerous biomaterials are utilized to create different types of constructs for this purpose. Researchers are trying to develop ideal scaffolds that combine biomaterials, cells, and molecules that exactly mimic the biological and mechanical properties of the tissue to achieve functional recovery associated with neurological dysfunction. This review focuses on exploring the development and applications of different biomaterials for their potential use in the diagnosis, therapy, nerve tissue regeneration, and treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Pai
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
| | - Bhisham Narayan Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
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Li L, Mu J, Chen J, Huang T, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Zhang T, Kong X, Sun J, Jiang X, Wu J, Cao J, Zhang X, Huang F, Feng S, Gao J. An integrated long-acting implant of clinical safe cells, drug and biomaterials effectively promotes spinal cord repair and restores motor functions. J Control Release 2024; 375:236-248. [PMID: 39245419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is incurable and raises growing concerns. The main barrier to nerve repair is the complicated inhibitory microenvironment, where single-targeted strategies are largely frustrated. Despite the progress in combinatory therapeutic systems, the development and translation of effective therapies remain a challenge with extremely limited clinical materials. In this study, mesenchymal stem cells are transplanted in combination with sustained release of methylprednisolone through delivery in one composite matrix of a microsphere-enveloped adhesive hydrogel. All the materials used, including the stem cells, drug, and the matrix polymers gelatin and hyaluronan, are clinically approved. The therapeutic effects and safety issues are evaluated on rat and canine SCI models. The implantation significantly promotes functional restoration and nerve repair in a severe long-span rat spinal cord transection model. Distant spinal cord segments and the urinary system are effectively protected against pathologic damage. Moreover, the local sustained drug delivery mitigates the inflammatory microenvironment when overcoming the clinical issue of systemic side effects. The study presents an innovative strategy to achieve safe and efficient combinatory treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Li
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiafu Mu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiachen Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianchen Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Youzhi Cai
- Department of Orthopedics and Center for Sport Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianyuan Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xianglei Kong
- Department of Radiology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jihong Sun
- Department of Radiology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xinchi Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiahe Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xunqi Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250033, China
| | - Jianqing Gao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
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Chen Q, Li S, Li K, Zhao W, Zhao C. A Skin Stress Shielding Platform Based on Body Temperature-Induced Shrinking of Hydrogel for Promoting Scar-Less Wound Healing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306018. [PMID: 39283032 PMCID: PMC11538717 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2024]
Abstract
Stress concentration surrounding wounds drives fibroblasts into a state of high mechanical tension, leading to the delay of wound healing, exacerbating pathological fibrosis, and even causing tissue dysfunction. Here, an innovative skin stress-shielding hydrogel wound dressing is reported that makes the wound sites shrink as a response to body temperature and then remolds the stress micro-environment of wound sites to reduce the formation of skin scars. Composed of a modified natural temperature-sensitive polymer cross-linked with polyacrylic acid networks, this hydrogel wound dressing has demonstrated a substantial decrease in scar area for full-thickness wounds in rat models. The physical forces exerted by the wound dressing are instrumental in attenuating the activation and transduction of fibroblasts within the wound sites, thereby mitigating the excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, the wound dressing significantly down-regulates the expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and collagen I, while concurrently exerting a dramatic inhibitory effect on the integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/phosphorylated-FAK (p-FAK) signaling pathway. Collectively, the fabrication of functional hydrogels with a stress-shielding profile is a new route for achieving scar-less wound healing, thus offering immense potential for improving clinical outcomes and restoring tissue integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
- West China HospitalSichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
| | - Ka Li
- West China HospitalSichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Weifeng Zhao
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
- Med‐X Center for MaterialsSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
| | - Changsheng Zhao
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
- Med‐X Center for MaterialsSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
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Ma D, Fu C, Li F, Ruan R, Lin Y, Li X, Li M, Zhang J. Functional biomaterials for modulating the dysfunctional pathological microenvironment of spinal cord injury. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:521-543. [PMID: 38883317 PMCID: PMC11179178 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in irreversible loss of sensory and motor functions, and most SCIs are incurable with current medical practice. One of the hardest challenges in treating SCI is the development of a dysfunctional pathological microenvironment, which mainly comprises excessive inflammation, deposition of inhibitory molecules, neurotrophic factor deprivation, glial scar formation, and imbalance of vascular function. To overcome this challenge, implantation of functional biomaterials at the injury site has been regarded as a potential treatment for modulating the dysfunctional microenvironment to support axon regeneration, remyelination at injury site, and functional recovery after SCI. This review summarizes characteristics of dysfunctional pathological microenvironment and recent advances in biomaterials as well as the technologies used to modulate inflammatory microenvironment, regulate inhibitory microenvironment, and reshape revascularization microenvironment. Moreover, technological limitations, challenges, and future prospects of functional biomaterials to promote efficient repair of SCI are also discussed. This review will aid further understanding and development of functional biomaterials to regulate pathological SCI microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezun Ma
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
| | - Changlong Fu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
| | - Fenglu Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, 350108, PR China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 1 Xueyuan Road, Quanzhou, 362801, PR China
| | - Renjie Ruan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, 350108, PR China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 1 Xueyuan Road, Quanzhou, 362801, PR China
| | - Yanming Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
| | - Xihai Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, 966 Hengyu Road, Fuzhou, 350014, PR China
- Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, 111 Daoshan Road, Fuzhou, 350005, PR China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, 111 Daoshan Road, Fuzhou, 350005, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, 350108, PR China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 1 Xueyuan Road, Quanzhou, 362801, PR China
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10
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Jia X, Fan X, Chen C, Lu Q, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Wang X, Han S, Ouyang L, Yan H, Dai H, Geng H. Chemical and Structural Engineering of Gelatin-Based Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Applications: A Review. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:564-589. [PMID: 38174643 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
As a biodegradable and biocompatible protein derived from collagen, gelatin has been extensively exploited as a fundamental component of biological scaffolds and drug delivery systems for precise medicine. The easily engineered gelatin holds great promise in formulating various delivery systems to protect and enhance the efficacy of drugs for improving the safety and effectiveness of numerous pharmaceuticals. The remarkable biocompatibility and adjustable mechanical properties of gelatin permit the construction of active 3D scaffolds to accelerate the regeneration of injured tissues and organs. In this Review, we delve into diverse strategies for fabricating and functionalizing gelatin-based structures, which are applicable to gene and drug delivery as well as tissue engineering. We emphasized the advantages of various gelatin derivatives, including methacryloyl gelatin, polyethylene glycol-modified gelatin, thiolated gelatin, and alendronate-modified gelatin. These derivatives exhibit excellent physicochemical and biological properties, allowing the fabrication of tailor-made structures for biomedical applications. Additionally, we explored the latest developments in the modulation of their physicochemical properties by combining additive materials and manufacturing platforms, outlining the design of multifunctional gelatin-based micro-, nano-, and macrostructures. While discussing the current limitations, we also addressed the challenges that need to be overcome for clinical translation, including high manufacturing costs, limited application scenarios, and potential immunogenicity. This Review provides insight into how the structural and chemical engineering of gelatin can be leveraged to pave the way for significant advancements in biomedical applications and the improvement of patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Jia
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518075, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Qianyun Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhou
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518075, China
| | - Yanming Zhao
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518075, China
| | - Xingang Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Sanyang Han
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518075, China
| | - Liliang Ouyang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongji Yan
- Department of Medical Cell Biology (MCB), Uppsala University (UU), 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hongliang Dai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Hongya Geng
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518075, China
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