Electroconductive and porous graphene-xanthan gum gel scaffold for spinal cord regeneration

Abstract

Scaffolds mimicking the conductive and soft properties of the spinal cord and the porous structure of the extracellular matrix are beneficial for spinal cord repair. However, it remains a challenge to combine multiple properties simultaneously in a scaffold. Here, a reduced graphene oxide composite xanthan gum spinal cord repair scaffold is constructed via freeze-drying technology. The scaffold exhibits high electrical conductivity that transmits electrical signals, soft mechanical properties that match the spinal cord tissue, and porous internal structure that provide enough space for cell growth. In vivo, the scaffold can fill the cavity, guide the orderly growth of regenerated nerve fibers and inhibit the formation of glial scar. Moreover, the behavioral experiment shows that the reduced graphene oxide-xanthan gum scaffold could restore the locomotor function of rats. Overall, it is envisioned that the scaffold shows great potential in the field of spinal cord injury repair and provides important reference significance for the design of spinal cord injury repair scaffolds.