A multi-channel collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells for the repair of spinal cord injury

Collagen scaffolds possess a three-dimensional porous structure that provides sufficient space for cell growth and proliferation, the passage of nutrients and oxygen, and the discharge of metabolites. In this study, a porous collagen scaffold with axially-aligned luminal conduits was prepared. In vitro biocompatibility analysis of the collagen scaffold revealed that it enhances the activity of neural stem cells and promotes cell extension, without affecting cell differentiation. The collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells improved the hindlimb motor function in the rat model of T8 complete transection and promoted nerve regeneration. The collagen scaffold was completely degraded in vivo within 5 weeks of implantation, exhibiting good biodegradability. Rectal temperature, C-reactive protein expression and CD68 staining demonstrated that rats with spinal cord injury that underwent implantation of the collagen scaffold had no notable inflammatory reaction. These findings suggest that this novel collagen scaffold is a good carrier for neural stem cell transplantation, thereby enhancing spinal cord repair following injury. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School), China (approval No. 2019AE02005) on June 15, 2019.