Research finds Potential Spinal Cord Tissue Repair Method

• Ireland’s University of Limerick (UL) found a new method to treat spinal cord damage.
• Bernal’s Institute of UL published an article in the global journal ‘Biomaterials’ Research" that promises advancement in the treatment of spinal cord tissue healing.
• The newly synthesized hybrid biomaterial is in the form of nanoparticles and is based on the existing practice of tissue engineering.
• The researchers used a unique kind of electrically conducting polymer and scaffolding material to promote new tissue growth, which can help spine tissue repair. According to the research team, there is a growing interest in the use of electroconductive tissue-engineered scaffolds.
• Cardiac or nerve cells are conductive in nature. So, conductive biomaterials have emerged as a new trend to address a shortage of donated organs and tissues globally.
• PEDOT: PSS, a commercially available conductive polymer and conductive component (carbon nanotube) is used to raise the conductivity of biomaterials. This has been used to develop a tissue engineering treatment strategy.
• According to UL Professor Collins, spinal cord injury is still one of the most traumatic injuries a person can sustain in their lifetime. Treating spinal injuries with research in such projects will allow spine patients to live to the fullest.

          Source- ET Healthworld.