“In vitro research confirmed that the biomaterial developed by TECNALIA stimulated the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells”
Advanced biomaterial for future spinal cord injury treatment
"Biocompatible Adipose Extracellular Matrix and Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Tissue Engineering Applications" is the title of the latest scientific study that the TECNALIA Biomaterials team has published in the "Materials Today Bio” scientific journal. Several experts in this area have participated in the study: "Our work has focused on the development of a new biomaterial, based on decellularised adipose tissue matrix, which acts as a temporary scaffold to guide and promote tissue regeneration," explains Beatriz Olalde, Director of Health Biomaterials at TECNALIA.
The results are promising. Previous in vitro research confirms that the biomaterial developed by TECNALIA stimulated the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells. Subsequently, this in vivo implantation study has demonstrated biocompatibility following implantation in a rat animal model.
A small step in the treatment of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a particularly devastating neurological condition that results in partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function below the injury.
- The pathophysiology of SCI is complex and involves primary and secondary injury mechanisms.
- As a direct consequence of the initial mechanical damage, the loss of tissue integrity initiates a cascade of secondary injuries, including haemorrhage, inflammation, ischaemia and neuronal and glial cell death.
- Later stages of SCI are characterised by the formation of cystic cavities and glial scarring, both of which are potent inhibitors of regeneration, causing permanent neurological deficits.
Due to the complex organisation of the spinal cord and the nature of SCI, no successful therapeutic strategy has yet been achieved. For this reason, existing experimental research efforts aim to counteract multiple aspects of SCI, for example, by implanting multifunctional biomaterials that foster the regeneration and reconnection of damaged nerves.
Biocompatible implants
In this context, this study focused on the validation of the in vitro and in vivo safety of the biomaterial developed by TECNALIA.
- For in vitrotesting, cytotoxicity was evaluated in numerous relevant cell types. For in vivo experimentation, a laminectomy was performed on the tenth thoracic vertebra in a rat model and then the biomaterial was implanted, ensuring direct contact with the spinal cord.
- Subsequently, plasma analysis and histopathological evaluation of relevant organs was carried out to rule out any systemic or organ-specific toxicity, and histological analysis was carried out to investigate the interaction between the biomaterial and the host tissue, including cellular infiltration and fibrous encapsulation.
Main findings of this research
The repair of the injured spinal cord requires the use of multifunctional biomaterials capable of addressing diverse facets of this complex pathophysiology. To do so, this study investigated the safety and biocompatibility of the new biomaterial developed by TECNALIA.
First of all, the research team has demonstrated in vitro biocompatibility. After implantation, complete integration of the biomaterial into the host tissue was observed with no fibrous encapsulation. Therefore, this study has confirmed the biocompatibility of the biomaterial after six weeks of implantation and constitutes the first step to continue promising research into its therapeutic potential for the treatment of spinal cord injuries .
