Tissue Engineering and Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a new interdisciplinary subject integrating life science, material science, engineering technology, and clinical medicine. Over the last ten years, significant advancements have been achieved in the study of biomaterials and tissue engineering. Progress in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine can result in optimal tissue regeneration and effective functional reconstruction. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most severe complication of spinal trauma and frequently results in significant functional impairments in the lower extremities of the affected segment. Repair of SCI is a medical challenge worldwide. Advancements in tissue engineering theory and technology offer fresh opportunities for addressing SCI, as well as providing new strategies and methodologies to tackle the challenges associated with repairing and reconstructing spinal cord function. This article provides an overview of the latest developments in tissue engineering and SCI repair, focusing on biomaterials, cells, and active factors. It also introduces nine key components related to SCI and proposes innovative approaches for repairing and functionally reconstructing the injured spinal cord.