Integrating hydrogels manipulate ECM deposition after spinal cord injury for specific neural reconnections via neuronal relays | Science Advances

A bioinspired hydrogel composed of hyaluronic acid- graft -dopamine (HADA) and a designer peptide HGF-(RADA) ₄ -DGDRGDS (HRR) was presented to enhance tissue integration following spinal cord injury (SCI). The HADA/HRR hydrogel manipulated the infiltration of PDGFRβ ⁺ cells in a parallel pattern, transforming dense scars into an aligned fibrous substrate that guided axonal regrowth. Further incorporation of NT3 and curcumin promoted axonal regrowth and survival of interneurons at lesion borders, which served as relays for establishing heterogeneous axon connections in a target-specific manner. Notable improvements in motor, sensory, and bladder functions resulted in rats with complete spinal cord transection. The HADA/HRR + NT3/Cur hydrogel promoted V2a neuron accumulation in ventral spinal cord, facilitating the recovery of locomotor function. Meanwhile, the establishment of heterogeneous neural connections across the hemisected lesion of canines was documented in a target-specific manner via neuronal relays, significantly improving motor functions. Therefore, biomaterials can inspire beneficial biological activities for SCI repair.