A bridging SF/Alg composite scaffold loaded NGF for spinal cord injury repair

- We introduced a silk fibroin (SF)-based neurobridge as scaffold enriched with/without nerve growth factor (NGF).
- NGF released from alginate (Alg) microspheres on SF scaffold to the central lesion site of SCI.
- The sparing of spinal cord tissue and the number of surviving neurons were increased.
- This optimal multi-disciplinary approach offers a promising treatment for the injured spinal cord.

Neurons loss and axons degeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) gradually give rise to result in functional motor and sensory impairment. A bridging biomaterial scaffold that allows the axons to grow through has been investigated for the repair of injured spinal cord. In this study, we introduced a silk fibroin (SF)-based neurobridge as scaffold enriched with/without nerve growth factor (NGF) that can be utilized as a therapeutic approach for spinal cord repair. NGF released from alginate (Alg) microspheres on SF scaffold (SF/Alg composites scaffolds) to the central lesion site of SCI significantly enhanced the sparing of spinal cord tissue and increased the number of surviving neurons. This optimal multi-disciplinary approach of combining biomaterials, controlled-release microspheres and neurotrophic factors offers a promising treatment for the injured spinal cord.

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