Bioinspired hydrogel remodels the niche after spinal cord injury for neural reconnection by promoting angiogenesis...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes neuroinflammation, vascular issues, and poor regeneration, hindering tissue repair.
• Hydrogels are promising for localized therapy delivery and microenvironment modulation in SCI.
• Current SCI treatments face challenges in addressing the complex, multifactorial nature of the injury site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioinspired hydrogel platform for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair.
• To integrate brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetic peptides (TPS-BDNF) into a dopamine-modified gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's potential for synergistic niche remodeling and functional recovery after SCI.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dopamine-modified GelMA hydrogel incorporating TPS-BDNF (GDP hydrogel).
• In vitro and in vivo assessments of hydrogel injectability, shear-thinning properties, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects.
• Evaluation of the hydrogel's capacity to promote neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and functional recovery in SCI models.

Main Results:

• The GDP hydrogel demonstrated optimal injectability and shear-thinning behavior for minimally invasive delivery.
• The hydrogel exhibited intrinsic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, modulating the local microenvironment.
• In vivo studies showed that the hydrogel promoted neurovascular niche restoration and improved functional recovery in SCI animals.
• The hydrogel facilitated sustained release of neurotrophic and pro-angiogenic cues.

Conclusions:

• The bioinspired GDP hydrogel is a promising, clinically translatable approach for SCI therapy.
• This platform synergistically remodels the SCI niche, enhancing neuronal regeneration and functional recovery.
• The hydrogel offers localized therapeutic delivery with minimal systemic toxicity, holding potential for human SCI treatment.