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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