Research Progress on Biomaterial Scaffolds Carrying Stem Cells for Inflammation Regulation After Spinal Cord Injury

The inflammatory cascade triggered by spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a major barrier to tissue repair. This review summarizes recent advances in this field. It outlines the selection criteria for different scaffold materials and stem cells. It also describes key strategies for the coordinated regulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, including structural support and immunomodulation. In addition, the review discusses cell-free therapies and the functionalization of stem cell-derived materials. Intelligent responsive systems are also highlighted. Furthermore, this article evaluates the validation of these approaches in preclinical models. It also examines the challenges associated with their clinical translation. Finally, emerging trends, including dynamic adaptation, functional integration, and precise regeneration, are discussed. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation and to guide future research on combination therapies for SCI.