International Journal of Nanomedicine (Dec 2023)

Advances in Conductive Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration

  • Qin C,
  • Qi Z,
  • Pan S,
  • Xia P,
  • Kong W,
  • Sun B,
  • Du H,
  • Zhang R,
  • Zhu L,
  • Zhou D,
  • Yang X

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 18
pp. 7305 – 7333

Abstract

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Cheng Qin, Zhiping Qi, Su Pan, Peng Xia, Weijian Kong, Bin Sun, Haorui Du, Renfeng Zhang, Longchuan Zhu, Dinghai Zhou, Xiaoyu Yang Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiaoyu Yang, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, TX, 130041, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: Spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment represents a major challenge in clinical practice. In recent years, the rapid development of neural tissue engineering technology has provided a new therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury repair. Implanting functionalized electroconductive hydrogels (ECH) in the injury area has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and facilitate the generation of neuronal circuits by reshaping the microenvironment of SCI. ECH not only facilitate intercellular electrical signaling but, when combined with electrical stimulation, enable the transmission of electrical signals to electroactive tissue and activate bioelectric signaling pathways, thereby promoting neural tissue repair. Therefore, the implantation of ECH into damaged tissues can effectively restore physiological functions related to electrical conduction. This article focuses on the dynamic pathophysiological changes in the SCI microenvironment and discusses the mechanisms of electrical stimulation/signal in the process of SCI repair. By examining electrical activity during nerve repair, we provide insights into the mechanisms behind electrical stimulation and signaling during SCI repair. We classify conductive biomaterials, and offer an overview of the current applications and research progress of conductive hydrogels in spinal cord repair and regeneration, aiming to provide a reference for future explorations and developments in spinal cord regeneration strategies. Keywords: neural tissue engineering, electrical stimulation, electrical signal, conductive biomaterials, spinal cord injury microenvironment

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