Fundamental understandings and development of a novel plasma biofunctionalized 3D-printed/electrospun scaffold for synergetic vascularization and regeneration of spinal cord hemisection

More than half a century has passed since the first attempts to repair the devastating spinal cord injuries (SCI). To date, no satisfying clinical outcome is achieved given the defect complexity hampering regeneration. Current tissue engineering strategies promoting nerve growth only show weak neurological recovery. This project launches therefore a novel combinatorial approach through the design of a scaffold synergistically targeting topographical and chemical cues overcoming all SCI aspects. A biodegradable bi-component implant, made of aligned nanofibers guiding nerve regeneration and a porous 3D scaffold enhancing blood vessel formation will be developed. Innovative biochemical gradient surface treatments will be applied to each component via non-thermal plasma technology. For the first time, fiber size and orientation gradients will complement the chemical gradients to further enhance cell behavior and guide regeneration over long distances. Cells supporting nerves together with blood-vessel cells will be co-cultured on the implant to improve spinal cord recovery surpassing the current state-of-the-art. Thanks to the candidate’s knowledge in neurobiology, biofabrication, surface modification and cell work, several fundamental insights on advanced tissue engineering will be gained. If successful, this superior scaffold can lead to a breakthrough in SCI treatment and can be extrapolated to treat other severe tissue defects making this project high risk/very high gain.