Advancing Spinal Cord Injury Repair: The Role of Conductive Hydrogels in Neurotissue Engineering

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a devastating condition of the central nervous system, affecting a significant number of individuals globally. It leads to irreversible motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions, placing a substantial burden on both patients and society. As a result, there is an urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the field of neurotissue engineering has made remarkable progress, offering new avenues for spinal cord injury repair. Among these advancements, conductive hydrogels have gained considerable attention due to their ability to mimic the electrical signaling properties of the spinal cord. These hydrogels not only replicate the complex electrical environment of the spinal cord but also enable non-invasive modulation of electrical signals, which can influence neuronal cell behavior. Additionally, conductive hydrogels provide essential mechanical support and serve as carriers for various drugs, bioactive factors, and cells, which can restore the disrupted microenvironment and promote axonal regeneration, remyelination, and functional recovery after SCI. This paper thoroughly investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SCI, systematically analyzes the different types of conductive materials used in hydrogels, and evaluates their combinations and functions. Furthermore, it discusses the technical challenges, bottlenecks, and future directions for the development of functional biomaterials aimed at effective SCI repair, offering insights for the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies.