3D-printed scaffolds guide stem cells to repair spinal cord injury

A research team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has developed a novel approach to spinal cord injury repair by combining 3D printing, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. They created a 3D-printed organoid scaffold containing microscopic channels filled with spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) derived from human adult stem cells. These channels guide the growth of the stem cells, promoting the formation of new nerve fibers that can bypass damaged spinal cord areas. When implanted into rats with completely severed spinal cords, the scaffolds supported the development of neurons that extended nerve fibers in both directions, integrating with existing spinal tissue and leading to significant functional recovery. The study demonstrates that the scaffold not only enhances cell survival but also enables reconnection across severe spinal injuries, marking a promising advance in regenerative medicine for paralysis. The researchers plan to scale up and refine the technology for clinical trials, aiming to eventually restore mobility and independence in people with spinal cord injuries. This interdisciplinary project involved experts in neurosurgery