Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells embedded in the GelMA-F127DA hydrogel promotes the repair of spinal cord injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling condition. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are important transplantable cells for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). However, directly transplanting cells into the injured area may result in the loss of transplanted cells. Additionally, secondary inflammatory responses reduce the survival of transplanted cells. In this study, a hydrogel with favorable properties, including plasticity, strong adhesion, mechanical stability, shear-thinning behavior, and pore size suitable for OEC growth and axon extension, was fabricated from methacryloylated gelatin-pluronic F127 diacrylate (GelMA-F127DA or GEF). In vitro results showed that the GEF hydrogel possessed excellent biocompatibility. Importantly, animal experiments confirmed that transplantation of OECs embedded in the GEF hydrogel effectively repaired SCI, promoted neuronal regeneration and axon remyelination, and improved locomotor function. Accordingly, this treatment strategy offers a new perspective for SCI repair.