3D printed silicone guides for printed neural stem cells may one day help patients with chronic spinal cord injuries. The device will be surgically implanted into the injured area of the spinal cord, where it will act as a bridge between live nerve cells in the injured area. Engineers and medical researchers at the University of Minnesota have jointly created this breakthrough device in the hope of reducing pain and helping patients regain control of nerve functions such as muscles, intestines and bladder. The research results were published online this week in the scientific journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Neuronal stem cells from adult cells are 3D printed on a silicone guide, and the cells are able to differentiate into active nerve cells in the laboratory. Image courtesy of the University of Minnesota
"This is the first time that it is possible to 3D print adult cell-derived neural stem cells directly on a director and allow the cells to differentiate into active neural cells in the laboratory," said Dr. Michael McAlpine. He is the author of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota's Benjamin Mayhugh Institute of Technology.
According to a press release posted on the university's website, approximately 285,000 people in the United States currently suffer from spinal cord injuries and approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported nationwide each year.
New bioengineering technologies have been developed over the past two years by the University of Minnesota. Researchers start with any cells in adults, such as skin cells or blood cells, and re-derive them into neural stem cells. Use unique 3D printing technology to print cells onto silicone guides-use the same 3D printer to print the guides and cells. This guide keeps cells alive and allows them to evolve into neurons. The team developed a prototype guide that can be surgically implanted into a damaged part of the spinal cord and helps connect living cells on both sides of the injury.
"3D printing such delicate cells is very difficult," McAlpine said at a press conference. "The difficult part is keeping the cells alive. We tested several different formulations during the printing process. In fact, we were able to keep about 75% of the cells alive during 3D printing and then turn them into healthy neurons This is very remarkable. "
If the next steps are successful, the results of this study could change the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.
"We found that transmitting any signal through the injury can improve patient performance," said study co-author Dr. Ann Parr, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. "There is a perception that people with spinal cord injuries will only enjoy life if they walk again. In fact, most people want simple things like bladder control or being able to control their legs. These simple functional improvements can greatly improve Their lives."
However, this technology will take several years: the device must first be tested on animals before it can be tested in humans.