Jiyun Cheng1, Zheng Chen2, Can Liu3, Mei Zhong4, Shihuan Wang5, Yongjian Sun6, Huiquan Wen7, Tao Shu8. 1. School of Basic Medicine & Public Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. 2. Department of Stomatology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. 3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China. 4. Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510630, China. 5. Child Developmental & Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. 6. Department of Pediatric Orthopedic, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. 7. Department of Radiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. 8. Department of Spine Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
Abstract
Aim: Bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects in spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we aimed to apply bioengineering approaches to promote Exo retention and their sustained release for SCI repair. Materials & methods: 3D gelatin methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) was used as a transplanted Exo delivery system (GelMA-Exos). The viability, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells cultured on hydrogel were assessed. Further, GelMA-Exos was injected into the damaged lesions to assess its repair potential. Results: GelMA hydrogel enhanced the retention of Exos, which promoted the neuronal differentiation and extension in vitro. Furthermore, GelMA-Exos promoted neurogenesis and attenuated glial scars in the damaged lesions. Conclusion: The injectable Exo-loaded 3D hydrogel induced neurological functional recovery post SCI.
Aim: Bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects in spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we aimed to apply bioengineering approaches to promote Exo retention and their sustained release for SCI repair. Materials & methods: 3D gelatin methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) was used as a transplanted Exo delivery system (GelMA-Exos). The viability, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells cultured on hydrogel were assessed. Further, GelMA-Exos was injected into the damaged lesions to assess its repair potential. Results: GelMA hydrogel enhanced the retention of Exos, which promoted the neuronal differentiation and extension in vitro. Furthermore, GelMA-Exos promoted neurogenesis and attenuated glial scars in the damaged lesions. Conclusion: The injectable Exo-loaded 3D hydrogel induced neurological functional recovery post SCI.