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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Synergetic Use of Neural Precursor Cells and Self-assembling Peptides in Experimental Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
Developing a mechanically matched decellularized spinal cord scaffold for the in situ matrix-based neural repair of
Yuan-Huan Ma1, Hui-Juan Shi2, Qing-Shuai Wei2
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiocerebral Diseases, Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, 524023, China; Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510180, PR China.
Abstract:
Tissue engineering is a promising strategy to repair spinal cord injury (SCI). However, a bioscaffold with mechanical properties that match those of the pathological spinal cord tissue and a pro-regenerative matrix that allows robust neurogenesis for overcoming post-SCI scar formation has yet to be developed. Here, we report that a mechanically enhanced decellularized spinal cord (DSC) scaffold with a thin poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) outer shell may fulfill the requirements for effective in situ neuroengineering after SCI. Using chemical extraction and electrospinning methods, we successfully constructed PLGA thin shell-ensheathed DSC scaffolds (PLGA-DSC scaffolds) in a way that removed major inhibitory components while preserving the permissive matrix. The DSCs exhibited good cytocompatibility with neural stem cells (NSCs) and significantly enhanced their differentiation toward neurons in vitro. Due to the mechanical reinforcement, the implanted PLGA-DSC scaffolds showed markedly increased resilience to infiltration by myofibroblasts and the deposition of dense collagen matrix, thereby creating a neurogenic niche favorable for the targeted migration, residence and neuronal differentiation of endogenous NSCs after SCI. Furthermore, PLGA-DSC presented a mild immunogenic property but prominent ability to polarize macrophages from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype, leading to significant tissue regeneration and functional restoration after SCI. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the mechanically matched PLGA-DSC scaffolds show promise for effective tissue repair after SCI.
