Microrobots deliver stem cells for nerve regeneration
Researchers have developed microrobots that deliver stem cells to aid in nerve regeneration. In tests on mice with severed spinal cords, the treatment showed promising results, with improved movement patterns observed after 28 days. Further research is needed before human trials can begin, but the technology has potential applications in various biomedical fields.
- ▪The NPCbots were tested on mice with completely severed spinal cords, showing promising results.
- ▪After 28 days, treated mice exhibited significant improvements in movement patterns.
- ▪The treatment utilizes electrical stimulation of stem cells through nanoparticles that convert magnetic signals into electrical impulses.
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The researchers also tested the NPCbots on mice with completely severed spinal cords. Here, too, the results were very promising: after 28 days, the animals’ nerve cells had reconnected at the site of the injury. During this period, the treated mice exhibited increasingly normal movement patterns – their gait, stride length, coordination and exploratory behaviour improved significantly. This result is particularly significant because, unlike in zebrafish, the mouse spinal cord does not normally regenerate. The treatment was well tolerated by the animals, with no evidence of any adverse effects or immune reactions.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ETH Zurich.
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