Rats walk again after breakthrough spinal cord repair with 3D printing
2 days ago
- #spinal-cord-injury
- #3D-printing
- #stem-cells
- Scientists developed a 3D-printed scaffold combined with stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries in rats.
- The scaffold directs stem cells to grow into functioning nerve cells, restoring movement in rats with severed spinal cords.
- This method uses 3D-printed channels to guide stem cell growth, creating a relay system that bypasses the damaged area.
- The study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, shows significant functional recovery in rats.
- The research offers new hope for treating spinal cord injuries, though it is still in early stages.
- The team aims to scale up production and develop the technology for future clinical applications.
- Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations.