Can Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Reverse Spinal Cord Injuries?

By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLMMar 20 2025

Each year, thousands of people suffer from spinal cord injuries, often leading to permanent paralysis and loss of function. While no complete cure exists yet for such injuries, advances in tissue engineering are offering new hope.

In a recent study published in Engineering, researchers from China explored how biomaterials, stem cells, and bioactive molecules can create a regenerative environment in damaged spinal cords, potentially restoring movement and sensation.

The review examined the development of novel scaffolds, hydrogels, and cell-based therapies to promote nerve regeneration.

​​​​​​​Study: Tissue Engineering and Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Image Credit: Albina Gavrilovic/Shutterstock.com

Spinal Cord Injuries

The human spinal cord has a limited ability to repair itself, making spinal cord injuries one of the most challenging medical conditions to treat. Current therapies focus on preventing further damage, managing symptoms, and providing rehabilitation, but they do not reverse the loss of function.

Researchers have long sought ways to stimulate nerve regeneration and create a more favorable healing environment around the vertebra. Tissue engineering, which combines biomaterials, stem cells, and signaling molecules, has emerged as a promising approach.

Studies have shown that scaffolds can provide structural support, stem cells can replace damaged neurons, and bioactive molecules can enhance nerve repair. However, many challenges remain, such as overcoming the formation of scar tissue and ensuring proper integration of new cells.

Despite these hurdles, advances in biomaterials, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine are bringing the field closer to achieving functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.

The Current Study

In the present study, the researchers reviewed the current findings on the potential of tissue engineering and the use of biomaterials, cells, and bioactive factors to repair spinal cord injuries.

The review examined a range of biomaterials, including hydrogels, scaffolds, and extracellular matrix-derived materials, which are designed to be biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of guiding axonal regrowth and can provide structural support and a regenerative microenvironment for damaged neural tissue.

The stem cells examined in this study included neural progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, which are being tested for their ability to replace lost neurons and support nerve regeneration.

The researchers explored how these cells interact with biomaterials and how they could be preconditioned or genetically modified to enhance their therapeutic effects. They also explored engineering scaffolds that mimic the natural spinal cord environment, ensuring proper cell attachment and differentiation.

Additionally, the study examined bioactive factors such as neurotrophic growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes, which can promote cell survival, reduce inflammation, and encourage neural repair.

Various drug-loaded hydrogels and scaffolds have been developed to deliver these molecules in a controlled manner and optimize their effectiveness over time. The researchers also examined how microenvironmental cues, such as electrical stimulation and mechanical support, could further enhance recovery.

Hope For Spinal Cord Injury Repair

The study found that biomaterials such as hydrogels and engineered scaffolds significantly improved the regenerative microenvironment in spinal cord injury models. These materials provided physical support for axonal growth and helped prevent the formation of inhibitory scar tissue.

Various studies included in the review reported that biomaterial-based scaffolds could promote neural cell adhesion, differentiation, and long-term survival, contributing to functional recovery.

Stem cell therapies have also shown promising results, particularly when used in combination with supportive biomaterials. Neural progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells have demonstrated the ability to integrate into damaged spinal cord tissue and differentiate into functional neurons and glial cells.

The review found that this cell-based strategy helped bridge gaps in injured areas, facilitating the reconnection of neural circuits.

The study also highlighted the role of bioactive molecules in enhancing recovery. Growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were found to stimulate nerve regrowth, while exosome-based therapies reduced inflammation and provided neuroprotection. Additionally, controlled-release hydrogels enabled sustained delivery of these therapeutic agents, maximizing their effectiveness.

However, the researchers found that despite these promising results, limitations remained. One challenge was ensuring the long-term survival and functional integration of transplanted cells. Additionally, the immune response to biomaterials varied, requiring further refinement to optimize compatibility.

The study also noted that while some therapies led to improvements in motor function, complete functional restoration remains elusive.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings demonstrated that a combination of biomaterials, stem cells, and bioactive molecules holds great potential for treating spinal cord injuries. This review highlighted the potential of tissue engineering in spinal cord injury repair. By integrating biomaterials, stem cells, and bioactive molecules, scientists in the field have made significant strides in promoting neural regeneration and functional recovery.

While challenges remain, ongoing advancements in regenerative medicine bring hope for more effective spinal cord injury treatments.

However, continued research and clinical trials to refine these approaches and optimize delivery systems will be essential in translating these innovations into real-world therapies for patients with spinal cord injuries.