Tissue-Engineered Neural Stem Cell Scaffolds in Spinal Cord Injury: Insights into Materials, Molecular Pathways, and Regenerative Applications

Authors

  • Ahmed S. Ashour

    Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
  • Jim Schank

    Neuroscience Research Center, University of Gorgia, Athene, GA 30601, USA
  • Mark M. Rohn

    Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Medical research institutes in Texas‎, Austin, TX 78712, USA
  • Asim S. Khan

    Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Immam Abdulrahman University, Dmmam 8273, Saudi Arabia
  • Ehab M. Hantash

    Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Suliman Al Habib Medical Group, Riyadh 11635, Saudi Arabia

    Anatomy and embryology Department, College of Medicine, Tanta university, Tanta 31511, Egypt
  • Liju S. Mathew

    Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jscb.v1i1.9529
Received: 23 April 2025 | Revised: 12 MAY 2025 | Accepted: 21 MAY 2025 | Published Online: 15 June 2025

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses significant regenerative challenges because the central nervous system (CNS) has a limited intrinsic ability to repair itself after damage. The complex nature of SCI, including neuronal loss, glial scarring, and disrupted neural pathways, makes effective treatment difficult. In recent years, stem cell–based scaffolds have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy aimed at facilitating functional recovery. These scaffolds provide a supportive three-dimensional (3D) structure that closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spinal cord. This biomimetic environment plays a crucial role in enhancing the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). By guiding NSC behavior and integration into the injured spinal tissue, these scaffolds can help restore some degree of neural function. The synergy between stem cells and engineered scaffolds offers a multifaceted approach to spinal cord regeneration and holds substantial potential for clinical applications. A variety of biomaterials including natural and synthetic polymers, as well as hydrogels, have been developed for this purpose, often enhanced by growth factors, neurotrophic agents, and electrical stimulation to boost axonal regeneration and remyelination. Key signaling pathways like Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, Shh, and BMP play a role in guiding NSC differentiation and are being explored as therapeutic targets. Preclinical studies have shown functional improvements with scaffold-assisted cell delivery, and early clinical trials using collagen scaffolds with umbilical cord–derived MSCs show promising results. However, challenges such as immune response, scaffold degradation, and cost remain, highlighting the need for further research to ensure safe and effective clinical application.

Keywords:

Neural Stem Cells; Stem Therapy; Neurotrophic Factors; Polyethylene Glycol; Collagen Scaffolds; Spinal Cord Injury Repair

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Ashour, A. S., Schank, J., Rohn, M. M., Khan, A. S., Hantash, E. M., & Mathew, L. S. (2025). Tissue-Engineered Neural Stem Cell Scaffolds in Spinal Cord Injury: Insights into Materials, Molecular Pathways, and Regenerative Applications. Journal of Stem Cell Bioengineering, 1(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.30564/jscb.v1i1.9529

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Copyright © 2025 Ahmed S. Ashour, Jim Schank , Mark M. Rohn, Asim S. Khan, Ehab M. Hantash, Liju S. Mathew

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