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 Rats Regain Mobility After Spinal Cord Repair.





Researchers at the University of Minnesota have achieved a remarkable step forward in spinal cord injury treatment by merging 3D printing, stem cell science, and lab-grown tissues. Their new method, recently published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, enabled rats with completely severed spinal cords to regain the ability to walk.

The team developed a special 3D-printed scaffold—think of it as a tiny framework laced with microscopic channels—that guides stem cells to become functional nerve cells. These scaffolds, known as organoid scaffolds, are seeded with spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs), which are derived from human adult stem cells. These cells possess a unique ability to multiply and differentiate into the specific nerve cells required for spinal cord repair.

“We use the 3D printed channels of the scaffold to direct the growth of the stem cells, which ensures the new nerve fibers grow in the desired way,” explained Guebum Han, first author of the study and former University of Minnesota researcher. “This method creates a relay system that, when placed in the spinal cord, bypasses the damaged area.”

When the researchers implanted these scaffolds into rats with entirely severed spinal cords, the stem cells matured into neurons and began to extend nerve fibers in both directions—toward the head and the tail. Over time, these new nerve cells established connections with the rats’ existing nerve circuits, integrating seamlessly into the host tissue—the result: significant functional recovery and restored movement.

Ann Parr, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, emphasized the broader impact: “Regenerative medicine has brought about a new era in spinal cord injury research. Our laboratory is excited to explore the future potential of our ‘mini spinal cords’ for clinical translation.”

Although the research is still in its early stages, it offers real hope for people living with spinal cord injuries. The team’s next steps include scaling up production and refining this combination of 3D printing and stem cell technology for future medical use.

This pioneering work was made possible by researchers from several departments at the University of Minnesota and Virginia Commonwealth University, with funding from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations.

You can read the complete study, “3D-Printed Scaffolds Promote Enhanced Spinal Organoid Formation for Use in Spinal Cord Injury,” on the Advanced Healthcare Materials website.

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